Did you know that you should see your dentist one month before beginning chemotherapy? While chemotherapy is designed to treat cancer, it can cause several side effects throughout your body, as well. The most common side effects that most people are aware of are nausea and hair loss. However, chemotherapy can also affect your oral health. Therefore, if you are preparing to undergo chemotherapy, bring it to the attention of your dentist.

Chemotherapy

It’s become common knowledge that chemotherapy kills cancer cells by using a mixture of very strong drugs. Unfortunately, these drugs cannot discriminate between cancer cells and healthy cells, so during the process of chemo, healthy cells are damaged as well, including those healthy cells inside your mouth.  Oral side effects of chemotherapy can lead to problems with your gums; teeth; oral tissues; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and your salivary glands.  These problems can become serious and lead to:

  • Difficulty eating, speaking, and swallowing
  • Oral infections
  • A reduction or discontinuation of cancer treatments

The Effects

Cancer treatment affects each person differently depending on the type of chemo and how your body reacts to it, but some of the side effects related to your mouth can include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Change in taste
  • Painful mouth
  • Sensitive and/or painful gums
  • Burning, peeling tongue
  • Swollen tongue
  • Infection

If you are undergoing chemotherapy and experience any of these issues, or you are soon to begin cancer treatment, Dr. Wright can teach you ways to help keep your mouth healthy during your cancer treatment.

CALL JUST WRIGHT DENTAL IN CORSICANA, TX TODAY!

At Just Wright Dental, our priority is ensuring that every visit is a comfortable and friendly experience, and that all of our patients understand every stage of their diagnosis, planning, and treatment. To find out what a difference our patient-centered approach can make, schedule your consultation with Dr. Justin Wright and our team by calling our dental office in Corsicana, TX today at  (903) 225-2221. We also proudly welcome patients from Navarro County, TX, and the surrounding communities, including Corsicana, Mildred, Eureka, Ennis, Fairfield, Teague, Blooming Grove, Dawson, Hubbard, Hillsboro, Mexia, Groesbeck, Kerens, Malakoff, Rice, Centerville, Buffalo, and Athens.