Oral Health

Taking care of your mouth before, during, and after treatment will help you prevent costly and painful problems in the future.

Oral Health

Taking care of your mouth before, during, and after treatment will help you prevent costly and painful problems in the future.

Your mouth and teeth may be the last thing on your mind when facing a colorectal cancer diagnosis, but maintaining your oral health is an important part of maintaining your overall health.

It’s easy to let dental checkups, regular brushing, and flossing fall by the wayside with everything else going on in your life, cancer notwithstanding.

Your mouth and teeth may be the last thing on your mind when facing a colorectal cancer diagnosis, but maintaining your oral health is an important part of maintaining your overall health.

It’s easy to let dental checkups, regular brushing, and flossing fall by the wayside with everything else going on in your life, cancer notwithstanding.

Tooth decay and gum disease

Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the three main reasons that people lose teeth, and their cause is the same: harmful bacterial buildup in the mouth.

Bacteria naturally live in your mouth, and bad bacteria produce substances that break down tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Those same substances also lead to gum disease, which can also cause or exacerbate tooth loss.

If you’ve ever gone an extended period of time without brushing, you may notice a white substance or film on your teeth – this is called plaque, and it’s a product of bacterial buildup in the mouth. When this plaque stays on your teeth for too long, it will eventually soften the enamel of the tooth, leading to the beginning stages of a cavity.

If caught early enough, this softening can be stopped and reversed, but if allowed to progress it can lead to decay that requires more serious intervention to address, such as crowns or fillings, which can be uncomfortable and expensive. Regular brushing can help prevent or slow down this process, but it’s important to regularly visit a dentist for checkups to catch any problems before they grow larger.

Fluoride toothpaste

The most important aspect of maintaining good oral health is regular, thorough brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to reinforce tooth enamel against attack by acid, and may also help reverse tooth decay that is still in early stages.

Tooth decay and gum disease

Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the three main reasons that people lose teeth, and their cause is the same: harmful bacterial buildup in the mouth.

Bacteria naturally live in your mouth, and bad bacteria produce substances that break down tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Those same substances also lead to gum disease, which can also cause or exacerbate tooth loss.

If you’ve ever gone an extended period of time without brushing, you may notice a white substance or film on your teeth – this is called plaque, and it’s a product of bacterial buildup in the mouth. When this plaque stays on your teeth for too long, it will eventually soften the enamel of the tooth, leading to the beginning stages of a cavity.

If caught early enough, this softening can be stopped and reversed, but if allowed to progress it can lead to decay that requires more serious intervention to address, such as crowns or fillings, which can be uncomfortable and expensive. Regular brushing can help prevent or slow down this process, but it’s important to regularly visit a dentist for checkups to catch any problems before they grow larger.

Fluoride toothpaste

The most important aspect of maintaining good oral health is regular, thorough brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to reinforce tooth enamel against attack by acid, and may also help reverse tooth decay that is still in early stages.

Oral health challenges for cancer patients

Tooth decay is a process that occurs normally, and the added stress of cancer treatments can make it worse, or speed it up. This is due to a variety of factors.

Dry mouthrebuildcrc2024-12-19T22:06:30+00:00

Dry mouth

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can both cause extreme mouth dryness and reduced saliva production. Dry mouth speeds up the tooth decay process caused by bad bacteria in the mouth and can exacerbate the role of sugar in the formation of cavities. There are a variety of products that can help relieve dry mouth.

Acidityrebuildcrc2024-12-19T22:06:59+00:00

Acidity

Acidic drinks and foods, such as soda and tomatoes, can weaken tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. An unfortunate side effect of chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting, which is also very acidic and attacks tooth enamel.

You may find that you want to brush your teeth immediately after vomiting, but this can actually cause more harm than good. Brushing your teeth while your tooth enamel is soft due to vomiting can increase enamel erosion and damage, leading to increased risk of developing cavities. It is advised that you rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after vomiting to help freshen up and clean your teeth but avoid brushing.

Nausearebuildcrc2024-12-19T22:07:26+00:00

Nausea

Vomiting can erode your tooth enamel due to the acidity of your stomach acid, but nausea by itself is also detrimental. If you are feeling nauseous, the simple act of putting a toothbrush in your mouth to brush can make you feel like you’re going to be sick, which might make you forgo regular brushing. While understandable, skipping regular brushings can allow bacteria and plaque to accumulate, leading to increased risk of tooth decay.

Gum irritation and bleedingrebuildcrc2024-12-19T22:07:50+00:00

Gum irritation and bleeding

Chemotherapy can alter your blood counts, causing your gums to be more likely to swell, bleed, and generally uncomfortable. This can also reduce your willingness to brush your teeth, again leading to enamel erosion and tooth decay.

Mouth soresrebuildcrc2024-12-19T22:08:14+00:00

Mouth sores

Mouth sores, or mucositis, is the inflammation of the mucosa lining the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Mucositis is commonly caused by cancer treatments and again makes it painful to brush your teeth or otherwise care for your mouth. There are specialty toothpastes and mouthwashes that may help treat the pain and symptoms of mucositis.

Oral health challenges for cancer patients

Tooth decay is a process that occurs normally, and the added stress of cancer treatments can make it worse, or speed it up. This is due to a variety of factors.

Dry mouthrebuildcrc2024-12-19T22:06:30+00:00

Dry mouth

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can both cause extreme mouth dryness and reduced saliva production. Dry mouth speeds up the tooth decay process caused by bad bacteria in the mouth and can exacerbate the role of sugar in the formation of cavities. There are a variety of products that can help relieve dry mouth.

Acidityrebuildcrc2024-12-19T22:06:59+00:00

Acidity

Acidic drinks and foods, such as soda and tomatoes, can weaken tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. An unfortunate side effect of chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting, which is also very acidic and attacks tooth enamel.

You may find that you want to brush your teeth immediately after vomiting, but this can actually cause more harm than good. Brushing your teeth while your tooth enamel is soft due to vomiting can increase enamel erosion and damage, leading to increased risk of developing cavities. It is advised that you rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after vomiting to help freshen up and clean your teeth but avoid brushing.

Nausearebuildcrc2024-12-19T22:07:26+00:00

Nausea

Vomiting can erode your tooth enamel due to the acidity of your stomach acid, but nausea by itself is also detrimental. If you are feeling nauseous, the simple act of putting a toothbrush in your mouth to brush can make you feel like you’re going to be sick, which might make you forgo regular brushing. While understandable, skipping regular brushings can allow bacteria and plaque to accumulate, leading to increased risk of tooth decay.

Gum irritation and bleedingrebuildcrc2024-12-19T22:07:50+00:00

Gum irritation and bleeding

Chemotherapy can alter your blood counts, causing your gums to be more likely to swell, bleed, and generally uncomfortable. This can also reduce your willingness to brush your teeth, again leading to enamel erosion and tooth decay.

Mouth soresrebuildcrc2024-12-19T22:08:14+00:00

Mouth sores

Mouth sores, or mucositis, is the inflammation of the mucosa lining the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Mucositis is commonly caused by cancer treatments and again makes it painful to brush your teeth or otherwise care for your mouth. There are specialty toothpastes and mouthwashes that may help treat the pain and symptoms of mucositis.

Why prioritize your oral health?

If you’ve recently received a colorectal cancer diagnosis visiting your dentist (or finding a dentist) should be part of your initial care plan.

We understand that this may be last on your list, but if you’re overdue for a cleaning, or have any lingering oral problems, addressing them before you begin intensive cancer treatment can help set you on the right path caring for your mouth and teeth. Be sure to let your dentist know about your diagnosis and ask them if they have any recommendations to stop problems before they begin, or tips to alleviate any discomfort you might expect to experience during cancer treatment.

If you’ve been putting off your oral health, now is the perfect time to start taking care of yourself again.

Why prioritize your oral health?

If you’ve recently received a colorectal cancer diagnosis visiting your dentist (or finding a dentist) should be part of your initial care plan.

We understand that this may be last on your list, but if you’re overdue for a cleaning, or have any lingering oral problems, addressing them before you begin intensive cancer treatment can help set you on the right path caring for your mouth and teeth. Be sure to let your dentist know about your diagnosis and ask them if they have any recommendations to stop problems before they begin, or tips to alleviate any discomfort you might expect to experience during cancer treatment.

If you’ve been putting off your oral health, now is the perfect time to start taking care of yourself again.

Learn more about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).

Shopping List

Fight Colorectal Cancer, as a rule, does not endorse specific treatments or products. However, you may find asking your dentist or doctor if they have any recommendations to be helpful. Generally, you may want to look into finding or using specialty products in the categories listed below.

Electric toothbrushes: These generally provide a better and more thorough cleaning than a manual toothbrush. Brushing at least twice a day is still required. Ask your dentist if they recommend any specific brands or styles.
Mouthwash: There are specific mouthwashes intended for use in patients experiencing chronic dry mouth. Look for products containing xylitol. If you are experiencing mucositis, ask your physician or dentist about a prescription for “magic mouthwash”. This is often a combination of different drugs intended to help clean the mouth and, hopefully, reduce the pain and inflammation associated with mucositis.
Lozenges: In addition to mouthwash intended to treat dry mouth, there are many lozenges available intended to help dry mouth symptoms as well. Again, look for products containing xylitol.
Toothpaste: There are a wide variety of toothpastes with different formulas intended to treat a variety of oral health issues. They may contain higher levels of fluoride than what is available over the counter, or may be intended to address pain and sensitivity associated with mouth sores or other problems. Ask your dentist if they have a specific recommendation for your situation.

Plaque revealing tablets: These tablets are chewed after brushing your teeth and help reveal plaque that you may have missed while brushing. Use them to make yourself more aware of problem areas so that you can focus on brushing them more thoroughly.
Floss: Floss your teeth regularly to help remove plaque and debris, and to help reduce or limit gum irritation, inflammation, and bleeding. If you don’t like regular floss, or have trouble using it, there are different kinds of “floss picks” available to choose from that may be easier to use.
Water picks: A water pick can be a great addition to your oral care routine and can help remove debris and clean in-between your teeth. Please note, however, that a water pick is not a replacement for regular flossing.

Make sure to address any lingering problems before they grow into something bigger. Chemo and radiation therapy bring their own side effects that make any oral health issues you might already be experiencing worse. Start taking care of your teeth now so you don’t run into problems down the road!

Shopping List

Fight Colorectal Cancer, as a rule, does not endorse specific treatments or products. However, you may find asking your dentist or doctor if they have any recommendations to be helpful. Generally, you may want to look into finding or using specialty products in the categories listed below.

Electric toothbrushes: These generally provide a better and more thorough cleaning than a manual toothbrush. Brushing at least twice a day is still required. Ask your dentist if they recommend any specific brands or styles.
Mouthwash: There are specific mouthwashes intended for use in patients experiencing chronic dry mouth. Look for products containing xylitol. If you are experiencing mucositis, ask your physician or dentist about a prescription for “magic mouthwash”. This is often a combination of different drugs intended to help clean the mouth and, hopefully, reduce the pain and inflammation associated with mucositis.
Lozenges: In addition to mouthwash intended to treat dry mouth, there are many lozenges available intended to help dry mouth symptoms as well. Again, look for products containing xylitol.
Toothpaste: There are a wide variety of toothpastes with different formulas intended to treat a variety of oral health issues. They may contain higher levels of fluoride than what is available over the counter, or may be intended to address pain and sensitivity associated with mouth sores or other problems. Ask your dentist if they have a specific recommendation for your situation.

Plaque revealing tablets: These tablets are chewed after brushing your teeth and help reveal plaque that you may have missed while brushing. Use them to make yourself more aware of problem areas so that you can focus on brushing them more thoroughly.
Floss: Floss your teeth regularly to help remove plaque and debris, and to help reduce or limit gum irritation, inflammation, and bleeding. If you don’t like regular floss, or have trouble using it, there are different kinds of “floss picks” available to choose from that may be easier to use.
Water picks: A water pick can be a great addition to your oral care routine and can help remove debris and clean in-between your teeth. Please note, however, that a water pick is not a replacement for regular flossing.

Make sure to address any lingering problems before they grow into something bigger. Chemo and radiation therapy bring their own side effects that make any oral health issues you might already be experiencing worse. Start taking care of your teeth now so you don’t run into problems down the road!