Sandy Springs Dentist - A higher standard through
healthcare well planned
Management of a patient being
treated for cancer, particularly where the cancer treatment is located near the
head and neck should involve your oral healthcare provider, i.e. your
dentist. Unfortunately, there are very
few published studies or guidelines on how to manage the cancer patient during
therapy. Accordingly, there is considerable
variation across the medical community relative to specific non-medicated approaches
to baseline oral care.
Oral-facial complications are
common after radiotherapy to the head and neck, and after chemo-therapy for
malignant diseases. Oral Mucositis, also called stomatitis is the most frequent
and debilitating complication of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy,
occurring in about 40% of patients. Oral mucositis is inflammation of the
mucosa of the mouth which ranges from redness to severe ulceration. Symptoms of
mucositis vary from pain and discomfort to an inability to tolerate food or
fluids.[1]
All patients at risk should
receive a standardized
oral care regime as an ongoing component of their cancer therapy. Additional interventions may include dental
brushing with toothpaste, dental flossing, ice chips, and sodium bicarbonate
rinses. These regimens typically include dental work to eliminate caries and
existing gum disease before beginning cancer treatment, followed by thorough
and frequent cleaning of the oral cavity with a variety of products, some form
of pain relief, anti-inflammatory treatment as required and aggressive
antimicrobial treatment for any new mouth infections.[2]
Patient compliance with these agents can be maximized by comprehensive overseeing
by the oral healthcare professional.
Get the facts, ask the Right
Smile Center. If we can be of
assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC.
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta, GA 30328
404-256-3620
www.rightsmilecenter.com
