Side effects of head and neck radiation therapy on the mouth and teeth
Today, one of the most common types of cancer is head and neck cancer, which is treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. One of the side effects of brain radiation therapy on the mouth and teeth is the effect on the oral mucosa. In response to the question, what are the side effects of radiation therapy? It should be said that chemotherapy and radiation therapy prevent the proliferation of cells. Since the cells in the oral mucosa are dividing and multiplying, they have problems in functioning. In these cases, the patient should be examined and treated by an oral and maxillofacial specialist in Canada.
Side effects of head and neck radiation therapy on the mouth and teeth
Since the oral mucosa contains different types of beneficial and harmful bacteria, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause side effects of radiation therapy on the head and mouth and cause negative effects in the functioning of the oral mucosa. The side effects of radiotherapy are that it may cause sores and lesions in the mouth and tooth decay.
Consultation and treatment by a specialist in oral, jaw and facial lesions
By observing the mouth ulcer caused by chemotherapy, it is better to take prevention or treatment by an oral disease specialist as soon as possible. This treatment process is a comprehensive and complete protocol in the field of oral and dental health, which includes: proper nutrition and a variety of treatment methods for effective oral and dental health.
Side effects of head and mouth radiation therapy
An example of the side effects of radiation therapy of the brain is that it causes different damages in the functioning of the mouth and teeth:
- dry mouth
- the pain
- Making changes in taste
- Inflammation in the mucosal parts of the mouth
- Disruption of teeth development in children
- dehydration
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Malnutrition and inability to eat
Tips to take care of your mouth and teeth while fighting cancer:
In the process of treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the use of painkillers and other drugs may cause damage or cause oral diseases. Tips to control the side effects of head and neck radiation therapy on the mouth and teeth:
- Avoiding acidic and sugary foods
- Avoiding dry and crunchy foods, spicy and salty foods, cold or hot foods
- Drinking enough fluids and not consuming caffeine and alcohol
- Taking vitamins and calcium to strengthen bones and teeth as prescribed by a doctor
- Maintaining oral hygiene and washing the mouth with mouthwash
- Keeping the mouth moist and preventing the palate, lips and inside the mouth from drying out
