In the run towards better treatment of cancer in esteemed hospitals, a step can always be overpassed – dentistry. Pre-treatment dental consultation may help in the success and comfort of cancer therapy, says Professor Kwon Do-hyun of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Samsung Medical Center.

The Argument of Dental Examinations Before Cancer Treatment

Oral health is greatly affected by chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments are directed not only toward dividing tumor cells but also affect other fast-growing cells in the body, such as those in the oral cavity. It can result in oral mucositis, dry mouth, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Professor Kwon said that addressing any dental issue before the onset of cancer treatment would be a must. "Any chemotherapy or radiation therapy can complicate the management of dental problems once treatment gets underway. By all means, it is best to get rid of lingering dental trouble prior to therapy to avoid complications during therapy," he underlined.

How Cancer Treatment Affects Oral Health

Studies demonstrate that the majority of cancer treatments can instigate significant oral health issues. Chemotherapy agents, though accomplished in the unrest of fast-growing cancer cells, also do the same regarding other rapidly growing cells in the mouth. It is one factor contributing to mucositis and dry mouth, also known as xerostomia (1). Radiation therapy can magnify these problems, making hygiene of the oral cavity more difficult and increasing the susceptibility to infections and other complications (2).

Dental Management of Dental Issues in Cancer Treatment

Dental care treatment given during chemotherapy or radiotherapy presents certain outrageous challenges. These treatments reduce the functionality of the bone marrow by reducing the count of platelets as well as altering the ability of clotting in other components of blood(3). As such, this makes dental work very precarious; even in procedures in which bleeding is involved, the chances of complications in hemostasis and increased risk of infection are varied.

For example, according to Professor Kwon, treatments such as implants that take a long time may need to be put on hold if the patient is diagnosed with cancer during the treatment phase. "Patients undergoing implant procedures often have to stop their treatment and resume only after their cancer therapy is done," he underlines. This is premised on the long recovery time and complications that may arise from concurrent cancer therapies.

Aftercare for Dental Issues and Delay of Treatment

A number of cancer patients feel that dental care is set aside until after their cancer treatment concludes. This ensures that oral health does not become a hindrance in terms of the success of the therapies set aside for their cancers and to mitigate the consequent dangers that may arise from oral health. "Routine treatments like fillings can be completed relatively quickly, but more complex procedures such as implants and dentures are often postponed until the patient has finished their cancer treatment," continued Professor Kwon.

Conclusion

Planning for treatment in cancer cases should consider dental care to avert complications and enhance treatment success. Resolving dental issues prior to commencing chemotherapy and radiotherapy might rescue patients from added complications, with concentrated attention toward cancer treatment.

References

1. Peterson DE, Sonis ST, Singer R. "Oral complications of cancer therapy." Journal of the National Cancer Institute Monographs. 2001;29:13-16.

2. Lalla RV, Bowen J, Barasch A, et al. "Management of oral mucositis in patients who have cancer." American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book. 2014;34:217-224.

3. Mücke R, Weigold M, Riedel F, et al. "Impact of chemotherapy on oral health: A review." Supportive Care in Cancer. 2011;19(7):1065-1071.

Input from various sources

(Rehash/Dr. Prerna Lal/MSM)