Protecting Our Kids' Smiles

The prevalence of cancer in Australia is rather disturbing. One in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with some type of cancer by the time that they reach the ripe age of 85. Most cancer patients choose to undergo chemotherapy in hopes of killing off all cancerous cells. Although chemotherapy is highly effective, it also does quite a lot of damage to your body and can change your dental condition drastically with time. Follow these 3 tips to maintain good dental health.

Use Soft-Bristled Toothbrushes

Chemotherapy will take a toll on your body. Your gums may become more sensitive and more likely to swell or bleed upon contact. While you'll still want to maintain regular dental care routines and habits like brushing and flossing, you'll need to switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush that will be much less abrasive. A soft-bristled toothbrush will be much more comfortable to work with and be less likely to cause pain and discomfort. If your soft-bristled toothbrush still causes some type of sensitivity, you can try to soften the bristles even further with warm water.

Choose Soft Foods

On top of switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, you'll also want to watch what you eat – especially if your mouth is already sore. You don't want to further irritate the gums and other tissues, so choose soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. If you're having troubles chewing due to sensitivity, try to further soften your foods by drenching them in liquids like gravy or broth. Try to also avoid spicy foods or foods that contain a lot of spices, as the spices might further irritate your tissues.

Stick with Fluoridated Toothpaste

As your body is weakened by chemotherapy, take action to strengthen your teeth. You can reinforce the structure and bond between the enamel and dentin by using a fluoridated toothpaste regularly. To take advantage of the full effects of the fluoride, you might want to start using fluoridated toothpaste before chemotherapy even starts. A fluoridated toothpaste will also reduce overall sensitivity by blocking the pores in your dentin.

Conclusion

Your body is going through tremendous amount of stress when you undergo chemotherapy. It is severely weakened, and, as a result, so is your dental and oral condition. Be careful and take extra steps to maintain your dental condition and health to prevent soreness, pain, bleeding, inflammation and other issues. Talk to your doctor and a dentist for more information.