Cancer treatment is an arduous journey, and while the focus is understandably on medical interventions, one aspect that often gets overlooked is oral care. In this article, we’ll explore some essential considerations for maintaining oral health during cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy and radiation, while crucial in cancer treatment, often have unintended consequences on salivary flow, leading to debilitating side effects such as dry mouth and mucositis. These treatments can damage the salivary glands, diminishing their ability to produce saliva, a vital component of oral health. The resulting dry mouth not only causes discomfort but also increases the risk of oral complications such as cavities and infections. Reduced salivary flow also contributes to mucositis, inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the mouth and throat, intensifying discomfort and making it harder to eat and speak. Managing these side effects is essential to the overall well-being of people undergoing cancer treatment, which is why targeted oral care matters.
Items to consider removing from your diet
Diet plays a crucial role in oral health, especially during cancer treatment. From acidic foods and alcohol to caffeine, understanding and making informed choices about your diet and lifestyle can ease discomfort and promote better oral health during cancer treatment. See nutrition and dry mouth for foods that help and foods to limit.
Medications and oral care
Medications in general can contribute to dry mouth and affect oral health. With more than one thousand medications having the potential to greatly reduce saliva production, it’s no surprise that one study of 131 of the most commonly prescribed drugs found dry mouth to be the most frequently reported oral side effect. Being aware of these medications and their potential side effects empowers you to take proactive measures to protect your oral health, such as staying hydrated and using products designed to relieve dry mouth. Here’s a list of medications that can cause dry mouth:
- Antidepressants (e.g. Paxil, Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft and others)
- Antipsychotics (e.g. Seroquel, Risperdal, Clozaril, Latuda and Abilify)
- Antihistamines and decongestants (e.g. Benadryl, Unisom, Nyquil, Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra)
- Stimulants (e.g. Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta, Dexedrine and Focalin)
- Benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin and Halcion)
- Opioids (e.g. Percocet, oxycodone, Vicodin, codeine, morphine, Demerol, Norco and Lortab)
- Others: antiemetics to treat nausea, antihypertensives (blood-pressure medications), antibiotics, anticholinergics that treat overactive bladder, bronchodilators that treat asthma, cannabinoids, diuretics and heart medications.
Never stop or change a medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist. See medications that cause dry mouth for more.
Resources and products to support your oral care journey
Navigating the challenges of oral care during cancer treatment requires reliable resources and effective products. Your cancer care team, dentist and pharmacist can point you to trusted information and support. When it comes to products, choose ones that are gentle yet effective in promoting oral health. Aquoral, a lipid-based oral spray available without a prescription in Canada, moistens and coats the mouth to relieve dry mouth symptoms.
In conclusion, prioritising oral care during cancer treatment is essential for overall well-being. By being mindful of diet, understanding the impact of medications, and using reliable resources and products, people undergoing cancer treatment can improve their oral health and, by extension, their quality of life. In cancer treatment, where every aspect of care matters, oral health should never be overlooked.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your health professional. Content adapted for Canada; pending review.