When cancer cells are targeted and killed, chemotherapy is one of the most effective cancer therapies. The adverse effects of chemotherapy on your teeth, particularly if you have oral or throat cancer, may be bothersome or alarming. Learning these possible side effects and knowing when to contact your emergency dentist can help you feel more prepared during cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy and dental health:

Chemotherapy has the potential to harm your teeth and other oral tissues. Chemo might impair or even kill healthy cells, despite its ability to eradicate cancer cells. The following side effects may occur if the chemotherapy drugs damage cells in your mouth, such as your teeth, gums, or salivary glands:

• Discomfort in the mouth or gums

• Teeth that fall out in youngsters are a common problem.

• Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is the medical term for this problem.

• A painful throat

• Lockjaw, commonly known as trismus, is a condition in which the jaw muscles become constricted

• A shift in one's taste preferences

Additionally, chemotherapy can cause a variety of side effects in children. Problems with a child's teeth are common, and some permanent teeth may take longer to erupt than healthy teeth. Premature tooth loss is possible, especially in children under two. Before your child begins treatment, please make an appointment with your Emergency Dentist so that they can check your child's teeth for any issues that may arise.

Another chemo- and radiation-related oral side effects

Trismus, more often referred to as "lockjaw," is a frequent side effect seen by patients receiving therapy for oral cancer. When you have trismus, your jaw can't move as much as it should, making it difficult to eat or speak. Approximately 30% of chemoradiation patients report trismus. Trismus is a bothersome condition, but it is usually only temporary and can be alleviated with appropriate treatment.

Dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, is another typical adverse effect of chemotherapy. Dysphagia may be helped by a dentist, mainly if a dry mouth brings it on. Regularly rinsing your mouth may help maintain your mouth clean and improve your swallowing ability.

When the dry mouth and thickened saliva interfere, your dentist may suggest prescription products, such as artificial saliva, and water consumption throughout the day. Avoiding coffee, smoke, and alcohol that may dry out your mouth can also help.

Final Thoughts

Chemotherapy side effects may range from mild to severe. They may be bothersome at times, but they usually fade away quickly after the treatment is completed. But if side effects aren't taken care of, they might lead to an infection. Because your body cannot fight infection during cancer therapy, conditions might become more severe and cause a delay in your treatment and Urgent Dental Care.