Visit Your Dentist Before Cancer Treatment
By Dr. Andrew Huang

More than one million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer each year, and about 40% will develop serious mouth problems as the result of treatment. Patients who undergo cancer treatment are sometimes unaware of its affects on teeth, gums and salivary glands. As the community gears up for the annual Relay For Life, an event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for the American Cancer Society, I want to remind cancer patients about the importance of oral care.
To give patients their best chance to fight cancer, add your dentists to the treatment team and visit the dentist before beginning radiation therapy. During treatment, the dentist can work with the oncologist and the patient to monitor any changes in their mouth and make recovery as comfortable as possible. According to figures from the National Institute of Health, oral complications occur in almost all patients receiving radiation for head and neck malignancies, in over 75% of bone marrow transplant recipients and in nearly 40% of chemotherapy patients.

Oral side effects of cancer treatment can include:

• Inflammation and ulceration of the mouth lining
• Painful mouth and gums
• Increased risk of developing oral and systemic infections
• Dry mouth
• Rampant tooth decay
• Burning, peeling or swelling tongue
• Stiffness in the jaw
• Change in ability to taste
• Impaired ability to eat, speak or swallow
• Change in ability to taste
• Poor diet because of problems with eating

Before and After Care
When possible, schedule a thorough dental checkup at least one month before treatment begins. Your dentist may recommend a few things to help before and after treatment, such as treating oral diseases early and possible needed extractions.
Your dentist may also recommend a mouthrinse and/or a prescription fluoride gel. If the gums are sore or bleeding in places, avoid those areas but continue to floss other teeth until the condition improves. Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water, followed by a plain water rinse. This is particularly helpful if you experience vomiting after treatment. If dry mouth develops, saliva replacement is available at pharmacies. Taking frequent sips of water, sucking on ice chips or sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may provide relief. Finally, eat a balanced diet. And of course avoid using tobacco and alcohol.

- Dr. Andrew Huang, who is a Bay Area native, owns and operates Santa Teresa Dental, 16160 Monterey Rd. in Morgan Hill, with his wife, Dr. Ann Lien. Visit their website at www.stDental.com or call (408) 782-6568