Caring for the Mouth While Kicking Cancer
Ever wonder what to practically get for a friend going through cancer? From an oral perspective, there are ways to offer helping hands. The type and location of cancer and treatment are factors. How your friend responds to them is another. But being forewarned is being forearmed. Especially if symptoms hit at an unexpected, and typically, inconvenient time.
Here is a list of items to grab for a cancer care kit:
Chapstick
Sugarless candy and mints (Xylitol)
Salivary substitutes (Dry Mouth Products: Oral Rinse, Spray & Gel | Biotène (biotene.com) and Oral Science | XyliMelts)
Gentle floss
Water Floss (Waterpik® Aquarius® Professional Water Flosser WP-660 | Waterpik.com)
Post operative (or extra soft) toothbrush
Fluoride rinse (ACT® Family of Products | ACT® Anticavity Fluoride Rinse (actoralcare.com))
Baking soda
Chamomile oil (10 drops with 4 ounces of water in amber bottle)
Here's why. Staying hydrated and keeping the mouth as clean as possible mean the upper hand for your friend. A reduction of chemicals may be something your friend is interested in, so it’s good to be aware of personal preferences. Thing is, balance is key. Keeping a positive (but reasonable) frame of mind is essential too.
Are you the cancer patient?
You have likely been flooded with information that can be a bit overwhelming! Here are some highlights that can help. You may have been informed that mouth sores (mucositis often associated with chemotherapy), dry mouth, sensitive gums, jaw aches and pain (often associated with radiation therapy), and taste changes are potential obstacles. Let’s take a look at them.
Mouth Sores- Sores (called mucositis) can be located inside the mouth and on the mucous lining of the throat and digestive tract. Mucositis can cause pain and make eating, drinking and swallowing difficult. It may also cause infection. (Which may require a prescription medication to be treated effectively.)
Dry Mouth- Cancer treatments may cause dry mouth (xerostomia), which damages salivary glands and can cause dental and periodontal problems. Saliva is integral in warding off infection and cavities (tooth decay) while keeping a balance of bacteria in the mouth. Without saliva, the opportunistic organisms grow in the mouth, without being checked, to cause infections and mouth sores.
Sensitive gums- Cancer treatments may cause tenderness, inflammation and or bleeding of the gums.
Jaw aches and pain- Head and neck radiation can cause jaw pain or stiffness.
Taste changes- During treatments, food and drink may taste differently.
Coping With Symptoms During Treatment
Jaw exercises. Open and close your mouth as far as possible (without causing pain) 20 times, three sets per day. This helps prevent jaw stiffness.
Rinse your mouth out frequently with water. Doing so prevents foods from lodging in teeth and gums.
Brush your teeth gently and frequently. Soft or extra soft toothbrush bristles are essential. Soaking bristles in warm water can help. Use an electric toothbrush (Sonicare) if you can tolerate. If your toothpaste is irritating your mouth, use something more mild. Rinsing and gargling with baking soda, salt and water dilution (half teaspoon of table salt, half teaspoon of baking soda and a quart of plain water) may help also. However, omit the salt if you are experiencing mucositis.
Floss and or Water Floss frequently. This removes plaque that causes cavities and gum problems.
Avoid mouth rinses with alcohol. These can contribute to more dry mouth. If symptoms of mucositis arise an alternative rinse could be a chamomile extract oil and water dilution. (10 drops of chamomile extract oil and 4 ounces of water in an amber bottle.)
Stay hydrated. Ice chips or popsicles (sugar-free) can be especially helpful during chemotherapy. Drinking plenty of water can help to lessen symptoms of dry mouth. Be careful to avoid acidic drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Eat well. Eating healthy is important, but this may be difficult due to the side effects of treatment. A bland diet may be your best friend at this stage. So avoiding spices, or foods that cause unpleasant reactions are recommended. Avoid foods that are sharp or crunchy as they could contribute to tissue trauma.
See your dentist and dental hygienist one month prior to cancer treatment and throughout your treatment. Keep your dental care team informed of your diagnosis and treatment. They will be helpful to help you cope with oral changes, so follow their directions and recommendations.
You may want to ask your dental care team:
What information should I provide you with from my oncologist?
Will my treatment have a long-term impact on my dental health?
If I have dental problems during treatment, can I address them as they arise?
When speaking to your oncology health care team:
Stay informed and keep the lines of communication open between yourself and all providers. Discuss with your doctor any changes you may be likely to experience due to treatment that may affect your dental health maintenance.
To be sure, your support network will only be strengthened as you bridge the gap between your dental care team and your medical and oncology care teams. Whether you are the one going through cancer or the friend supporting someone going through cancer, keep positive, stay practical, be balanced and continue supporting one another.
