Oral Complications Following Cancer Treatment
Treatment of head and neck cancer can include surgery, x-ray therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these treatments. Side effects from these treatments can severely impact oral health.
X-ray treatment in particular can harm the salivary glands, which supply the saliva that moistens and protects your mouth from infection. Pain from diseased teeth and gums can make it difficult for you to complete oral cancer treatment.
If you are receiving chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation, your immune system may not be able to fight active dental infections after treatment has started. This can lead to wide spread or systemic infections. Additionally, bleeding from the gums or oral soft tissues can occur because the body’s clotting system may be compromised after treatment has started.
Below is a list of oral complications that can occur from cancer therapy:
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Loss of taste
- Mucositis (sore, painful mouth accompanied by ulcerations)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Limited jaw opening
- Fungal infections
- Worsening tooth decay and gum disease
- Bleeding of the gums, oral soft tissues
- Osteoradionecrosis (necrosis of the jaw bone from compromised blood supply)
Important Links:
Care for Patients with Cancer Treatment
