[[[pic:OralCancer.jpg|400||right|TPimg-responsive TPimgRight|Oral Cancer Ribbon]]Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide and destroy the body tissue. Cancer can spread throughout your body. It is the second-leading cause of death in the world. Thanks to improvements in technology, survival rates are increasing due to cancer screenings that help diagnose the disease earlier for treatment and prevention. One thing that you should also know about cancer is that it has an impact on your oral health. Let us delve into that.
The impact of cancer on your oral health
Cancer treatments affect the body. For instance, chemotherapy and radiation are used to fight fast-growing cancer cells. They however might also affect the normal cells in the process, reducing the bodyUs ability to fight the infection. For example, a tender gum might become gingivitis. Mouth sores might also start developing on the walls of the mouth. This is due to the reduced ability of the body to fight infections. In the process of fighting the fast-growing cancer cells, chemotherapy might weaken the cells in your mouth. This might eventually cause dry mouth, a change in the taste, and peeling of the tongue.
Moreover, the radiation that is used in the treatment of the head and the neck can also cause dry mouth. Some of these treatments can damage the saliva glands. Neck and head radiation might also cause pain and stiffness in the jaw, making it hard for you to eat, talk, or even swallow. Therefore, you are advised to work closely with your doctor to allow them to monitor the progress of the treatment and mitigate any upcoming issues.
What to do if you are a cancer patient
First, you should ensure that you attend all the dental checkups. The recommended times are at least four weeks before you start the treatment. Let the dentist know about you and where you are in the treatment. Also, feel free to ask any questions. Our locations are equipped with up-to-date cancer screening technologies that help diagnose the issue before it takes a toll on you. Talk to our dentists today for more information.
