Before I write about oral cancer treatment, I would like to say a few words about the prevention of oral cancer and what you can do to make sure you don’t catch this dreadful disease. First of all, you need to quit smoking. Right now. If you do, you greatly reduce the chances of developing cancer in the tongue, cheeks, face, roof of the mouth and so on. The dentist can detect oral cancer at the first signs, so it is important that you go to the dentist at least twice per year, to get a regular checkup and see what you might need to do.
The most common signs of oral cancer are white or red spots in the area where the cells have started dividing, and diagnosis is placed after a biopsy. After diagnosis, a team of specialist doctors (including a specialist oral surgeon and a dentist) develops an individual treatment plan. In most cases it requires surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It is important to go to a dentist who knows the changes that these types of therapies produce in the mouth.
Every time you eat food and beverages containing sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack teeth for at least 20 minutes. To prevent complete deterioration of the shield surrounding the teeth, try to limit consumption of snacks and sweet drinks, or even give up their consumption between meals. When, however, you need a snack, choose nutritious foods like cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or fruit yogurt and so on.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy on the mouth? Following radiotherapy in the head and neck area, many people feel irritation of the mouth, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and taste alteration. Radiation therapy increases the risk of cavities, so during treatment you need to maintain good hygiene of the teeth, gums, mouth and throat.
Feel free to talk to your oncologist and dentist about any mouth problems that occur during and after radiotherapy. Also, ask your dentist before beginning anticancer therapy, about measures to prevent the possible side effects of treatment in the mouth.
How to maintain oral health during cancer therapy? - Do not neglect brushing teeth with a soft brush after meals and using dental floss daily. Avoid spices and hard foods like raw vegetables, dry crackers and nuts. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Chew sugar-free gum or eat lollypops and hard candy to stimulate salivary flow. Before starting therapy, take a visit to your dentist for a complete dental check. Ask your dentist to communicate with your oncologist before starting radiotherapy.