Daily Oral Care Routine During Cancer Treatment
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and although your oral hygiene may not seem like a priority when you are battling cancer, about a third of patients will experience oral complications. Mouth ulcers, dry mouth, cracked lips and dental disease are top of the list.
“Chemotherapy, other medications and radiation can upset the balance of bacteria in your mouth, limit your body’s ability to fight infection and dry out the mouth,” says Dirna Grobbelaar, Ivohealth oral hygiene advisor. “Unfortunately this can make you more susceptible to cavities, gum disease and infections. Maintaining an effective oral care routine is important for your overall health and well-being, even when you’re not feeling well.”
To help you take good care of your mouth during cancer treatment, Ivohealth has compiled easy-to-follow advice from dental and other medical professionals in a guide Love your Life, Love your Oral Care which can be downloaded for free. Grobbelaar shares some of the most important advice:
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is a common side-effect of many medications and radiation. Because saliva is the body’s way of naturally cleaning the mouth, plaque and bacteria build up more quickly, putting you at higher risk of bleeding gums, bad breath and dental decay.
Rehydrating your mouth is a priority. Drinking water will give temporary relief; an oral lubricator like GUM Hydral spray and gel will last longer. Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva flow and some medications can help produce saliva; ask your pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice.
Mouth Ulcers
Many cancer patients experience mouth ulcers which make eating, talking and cleaning the mouth uncomfortable. Use Aloclair gel or spray to create a ‘barrier’ over the ulcer for immediate relief and promote faster healing. And don’t be tempted to skip your oral care routine because your mouth is sore; keeping it clean can help prevent further infection.
Cracked Lips
Protect your lips with a lubricating barrier to prevent them from becoming dry and cracked. Licking your lips can exacerbate dryness. Rather regularly apply a moisturising balm, like Letibalm nose and lip repair, and drink plenty of fluids to keep the mouth and skin hydrated.
Dental Problems
Gum disease, dental decay and cavities are all common dental problems during cancer treatment. These are best prevented with an effective daily oral care routine and professional support. Visit your dentist for a thorough check-up before your treatment starts, to detect and treat any existing issues. See the oral hygienist for a professional cleaning at the same time. Removing plaque and tartar build-up means your mouth is in tip-top shape at the onset.
Some patients experience nausea during treatment. Vomiting demineralises teeth enamel and weakens the teeth. Don’t brush your teeth immediately after vomiting. Simply rinse with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash with fluoride, like Dentyl Active or GUM Paroex with antibacterial CPC, then wait an hour or so before brushing
Recommended Daily Oral Care Routine during Cancer Treatment:
A few minor adjustments to your daily oral care can make it easier and more effective. Here’s the routine recommended during cancer treatment from Dirna Grobbelaar, Ivohealth’s oral hygiene advisor:
1. Brush correctly at least twice a day for a full two minutes each time. You may be tired. A quality electric brush, like Philips Sonicare or GUM Sonic, will give a ‘supreme clean’ with minimum effort. Dip the brush in warm water to soften the bristles, or use an ultra-soft brush like GUM Sonic Sensitive.
2. Look for mild or pleasant-tasting toothpaste that has multiple benefits. GUM Paroex Intensive Action has anti-bacterial ingredients to help maintain healthy gums. All-natural Olgani Probiom toothpaste and tooth powder have added prebiotics and probiotics for a balanced oral microbiota.
3. Continue to clean between the teeth every day. If you find floss too firm for sensitive gums, try an interdental brush like the reusable GUM Bi-Direction with anti-bacterial coated bristles, or gentle rubber Soft-Picks.
4. After eating or being sick, rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash like GUM Paroex with antibacterial CPC or Dentyl Active, or use a salt-based mouth rinse like Thryve mouth salts or Olgani.
While cancer treatment can negatively impact your mouth, the right care can help you prevent or manage many of the common problems. Remember, your dental professional is available to support you at this time. Let them know about your diagnosis and treatment.
For further information visit Ivohealth’s website or download Ivohealth’s free Cancer and Oral Care booklet. The Cancer Association of South Africa website also has excellent resources.