The Oral Effects Of Chemotherapy
By Joseph Harmon, DDS of DELMARVA DENTAL SERVICES, PA

Most everyone knows that chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. However, it also kills other normal cells in the body. My family witnessed this when our one year old son was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma in 2001 and underwent 10 months of chemotherapy and had two thirds of his liver removed. Most of the side effects of the chemotherapy involve the stomach
lining and your ability to fight infection. It can also affect the oral cavity as well. This involves the teeth, gums, tongue, soft tissue on the inside of the cheek, and the roof of the mouth. It also can affect the glands that produce saliva. Oral effects from chemotherapy can lead to painful, burning mouth and tongue, dryness and peeling of the oral soft tissues, changes in taste and infection.

As with everything, prevention is the best measure. Prior to chemotherapy a dentist should be seen to ensure you are in optimum oral health. Your teeth should be cleaned, infections treated, cavities filled and potential problems corrected. You should also receive a prescription for a fluoride rinse or gel. Dentures that do not fit well should be adjusted, repaired or remade.

During chemotherapy drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum and suck on sugarless hard candy to keep your mouth moist. Brush your teeth, gums and tongue with an extra soft toothbrush after meals and at bedtime. Floss every day and use your prescription fluoride supplement. Our son, Michael, has been cancer free for two years.

MAGGIE'S MEMO:
The office of Drs.. Esham, Harmon, Makowske & Cypher of DELMARVA DENTAL SERVICES P.A. goes beyond providing comprehensive dentistry, and includes educating their patients so they can make informed decisions about their dental care. A full range of multimedia, including cable TV and audio CDs with headphones, helps patients to relax.

The office of DELMARVA DENTAL SERVICES P.A. offer a wide range of services including: implants, cosmetic dentistry, smile analysis, athletic mouthguards, snoreguards, bite-guards, tooth colored inlays and fillings, crowns, metal-free bridges, root canals, dentures, non-surgical gum treatment for gum disease, orthodontics, and breath freshening. The office serves the whole family and accepts most major credit cards.

MAGGIE SAYS:
"It had been ten years since I had been to the dentist," recalls one patient of the office of DELMARVA DENTAL SERVICES, P.A. "They specialize in treating people who are afraid of the dentist. They are definitely patient oriented and very accommodating to your needs." She has gone on to have fillings, root canals, and crowns.

The office of Drs.. Esham, Harmon, Makowske & Cypher of DELMARVA DENTAL SERVICES, P.A. make going to the dentist as painless as possible. Contact them at 410-742-3000 and they will do everything they can to keep you relaxed and your smile bright.