Dental care is crucial for us to maintain good oral and whole-body health, but did you know it becomes even more critical if you have a cancer diagnosis?
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have adverse effects on the mouth. For this reason, the National Cancer Institute recommends making dental care an integral part of a cancer patient’s overall cancer treatment. To address this situation, Penn Dental Medicine has established a new cancer dental care program in our Department of Oral Medicine for patients at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania who are or will be undergoing head and neck radiotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, or a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
How Dentists Can Help Cancer Patients
“Cancer therapy can impact the oral cavity and oral health in a number of ways,” says Dr. Thomas Sollecito, Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral Medicine. “Maintaining optimal oral health through proper dental care is particularly important to a patient’s overall health as they undergo treatment and beyond.”
Dentists for cancer patients possess the knowledge and skills to address their unique oral health needs. These professionals understand the potential side effects of cancer treatments and can provide preventive care to minimize complications.
What Are the Oral Side Effects of Cancer Treatment?
The chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer can weaken the immune system, leading to an increased risk of infections and oral complications. Radiation therapy targeting the head or neck area can cause damage to the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It can also cause damage to the temporomandibular joint, resulting in jaw stiffness and pain (TMJ) that could interfere with speaking and eating. Additionally, both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause oral mucositis, a painful inflammation of the lining of the mouth.
How To Treat Side Effects
To effectively manage the side effects of cancer treatment on oral health, cancer patients should follow specific instructions provided by their dentists, including:
- Practicing good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
- Using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen teeth.
- Avoiding tobacco products.
- Rinsing with mouthwashes and drinking plenty of water to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
- Eating nutritious foods that promote oral health.
If infections develop due to a weakened immune system, root canals or tooth extractions may be necessary to eliminate the infection. In certain situations, dentists may need to work together with other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s cancer treatment plan. The interdisciplinary approach provides comprehensive care and ensures that the patient’s oral health is effectively managed during their cancer treatment.
When Should You Start Cancer Dental Care?
Ideally, dental care for cancer patients should start before any cancer treatment to allow time to treat preexisting dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. This also gives healing time for any dental work and helps reduce the risk of infection and complications going forward. Oral medicine residents and residents from the school’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program, under the guidance of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, will provide cutting-edge, patient-friendly care and treatment.
“We would also hope to offer dental care to these patients both during and after their cancer therapies,” says Dr. Marc Henschel, Director of the AEGD program. “Our aim is to become their ongoing dental care providers.” This is especially critical given that some cancer therapy complications may develop months to years afterward. Through an ongoing relationship between patients and dentists, Penn Dental Medicine can stay on top of any oral complications whenever they should appear and keep patients comfortable.
Looking for a Dentist for Cancer Patients? Look to Penn Dental Medicine
If you or a loved one will be undergoing cancer treatment, don’t forget the importance of your dental health, too. Come to Penn Dental Medicine. By maintaining good oral hygiene and undergoing professional dental care with us, you can minimize the impact of cancer treatments on your oral health and improve your overall quality of life.
You’ll also benefit from fees that are 50%-70% lower than what you’ll find at a private practice, so you can focus on your journey and recovery with one less thing to worry about.
Cancer dental care appointments are available in our Department of Oral Medicine Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can schedule an appointment by calling 215-746-9300, completing this form, or emailing us here. (If you’re a Penn Medicine provider, you can refer patients here.)
