Did you know that your chances of infection increase during cancer treatment if you have an unhealthy smile? Well, it’s true, which is why it’s best to take care of your smile before you begin chemotherapy or radiation.
Some things you can do to ensure a strong oral health are:
-Visit your dentist: It’s best to treat all of your dental issues before you begin treatment. By treating the areas of concern, you will likely reduce the chances of having dental side effects when you undergo chemotherapy and radiation.
-Brush regularly: It’s very important to brush your teeth twice a day with an extra-soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you need a softer brush, you can soak your toothbrush in warm water.
-Floss: Do your best to floss once a day. This will help remove plaque from between your teeth, which will help prevent gum disease. If your gums are sensitive or sore or if they are bleeding, avoid flossing those areas and move on to flossing the other teeth.
-Avoid using tobacco: Tobacco products are very harmful to your body, especially your mouth. So, it’s best to avoid using tobacco products. Also, if you stop using these products, your body will likely heal faster.
-Rinse often: It’s recommended to rinse your mouth at least once a day. However, please use rinse that does not contain alcohol. Rinsing will help you deeply clean your smile and will help reduce your chances of having decay and infection. It will also protect your teeth from the acidic particles that live in vomit.
Doing these things will help you prevent additional issues that can cause infection and troubles. If you have any questions or if you would like to learn more about how to care for your smile when you have cancer in Mechanicsville, Virginia, please call our office today at 804-781-1919. Drs. Paul R. Stanovick, Brant Stanovick, and our friendly dental team are happy to help you!