317-881-4726Have you been diagnosed with cancer? Will you be starting your treatments soon? If so, we understand that you may not even be thinking about your dental health. However, those treatments you may have could affect your dental health. To help combat this, we would like to share a few tips on how you could help protect your smile.
-If possible, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, or NIDCR, recommends that you see our dentists at least once a month before your treatments begin so we can treat existing problems.
-One common side effect is developing dry mouth. To help treat this condition, you can chew a piece of sugarless gum, suck on some ice, or Dr. Matt Pierce could recommend an artificial saliva product to help prevent dental damage.
-After every meal, and before going to bed at night, you may want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild-tasting toothpaste to clean your mouth. You should keep in mind that toothbrushes can be an excellent place for bacteria to congregate. You might keep extras on hand as you could want to change them out frequently.
-While undergoing treatments, your mouth and gums could become more sensitive, and you may need to treat it with additional care.
-You may need to be more gentle when flossing and brushing your teeth. Your mouth can potentially become more sensitive during treatments and you may experience some slight bleeding. If you feel that it is unusually heavy, you should contact our dentists or your cancer team right away.
If you want more information in Greenwood, Indiana, about your dental health during cancer treatments , please schedule a consultation at White River Family Dental and Implant Center by calling 317-881-4726. We would be happy to help you protect your smile for many more years.
