Dental care during and after Chemotherapy and/or Radiation Therapy

Routine Oral Care

Continuing good dental hygiene during and after cancer treatment can reduce complications such as cavities, mouth sores, and infections. It is important to clean the mouth after eating. The following are some guidelines of oral healthcare during cancer treatments.

Tooth Brushing

Brush teeth with a soft bristle brush 2 to 3 times a day for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to brush the area where the teeth meet the gums and rinse often during brushing. Rinse the toothbrush in hot water every 15 to 30 seconds to soften bristles. You can also use a foam brush if needed with an antibacterial rinse.

Use a flouride toothpaste.

One of the following rinses may be used:

• 1 teaspoon of salt in 4 cups of water.
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup (8 ounces) of water.
• 1/2 teaspoonful of salt and 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 4 cups of water.
• An antibacterial rinse may be used 2 to 4 times a day for gum disease. Rinse for 1 to 2 minutes.
• If dry mouth occurs, rinsing may not be enough to clean the teeth after a meal. Brushing and flossing my be needed.

Floss gently once a day.

Use lip care products to prevent drying and cracking of the lips.

Bleeding

Bleeding may occur during chemotherapy when anticancer drugs affect the ability of blood to clot. Areas of gum disease may bleed on their own or when irritated by eating, brushing,or flossing. Bleeding may be mild (small red spots on the lips, soft palate, or bottom of the mouth) or severe, especially at the gumline and from ulcers in the mouth. When blood counts drop below certain levels, blood may ooze from the gums.

With close monitoring most patients can safely brush and floss throughout the entire time of decreased blood counts unless directed otherwise by your oncologist.

Tooth Decay

Dry mouth and changes in the balance of oral bacteria increases the risk of tooth decay. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular care by a dentist can help prevent cavities. Dr. Grace Lo always recommends everyone to visit their dentist regularly.