Oral Manifestations of Chemotherapy

Approximately forty percent of patients receiving chemotherapy will experience oral complications. The majority of patients with leukemia and those who receive a bone marrow transplant will develop oral complications.

Research shows that fewer problems develop when oral disease is eliminated, that is, when an oral prophylaxis (preventative care) is performed prior to the start of chemotherapy. It is also important to maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout therapy.

For patients receiving radiation therapy to the head and/or the neck, which includes the salivary glands and/or the oral and pharyngeal tissues, may incur loss of taste, inflammation of the inside of the mouth, infection and decreased salivary flow. Long term, permanent side effects may include xerostomia (dry mouth), "radiation decay" and failure to heal.

Oral /Dental Management Prior to Chemotherapy

For all patients, any area of infection or irritation, such as teeth with fractures, fractured restorations, cavities, pulpal (nerve) involvement, periodontal inflammation, illfitting prostheses should be eliminated prior to chemotherapy.

Oral hygiene instruction should be provided, including the use of an extra soft nylon bristle and dental floss. It is important that ongoing supervision of hygiene be maintained during cancer therapy.

Oral cancer checks are done routinely in our office. Any sore that does not subside within a few weeks should be biopsied. We routinely check the lateral borders of the tongue which is where most oral cancers begin. Make sure your health care professional checks all oral hard and soft tissues.