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Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Due to Cancer Treatment
Dry mouth is a feeling of aridness in the patient's mouth. Patient complaint is often the only criteria many dentists have to confirm a diagnosis of dry mouth, technically called xerostomia. Dry mouth manifests itself as a side effect of many medications and treatment regimes. There are many causes of dry mouth, but one of the most predictable is dry mouth due to cancer treatment. This is because the radiation of cancer treatment causes dry mouth symptoms because it damages not only cancer cells, but also those of the salivary glands which manufacture saliva. Saliva acts as a moisturizer and lubricant and inadequate production will lead to dry mouth.
Cancer treatments lead to dry mouth for those who are undergoing radiation especially of the head and neck. This is because radiation is directed to the specific body part affected in order to less its damage to the rest of the body. Dry mouth due to cancer treatment is diagnosed and treated in the same way that it is from other causes.
Following a diagnosis of dry mouth, or in anticipation of it prior to undergoing cancer treatment to cause dry mouth, several steps must be taken to ease the discomfort and to protect the mouth. Saliva acts to protect the teeth and tissues. This is why the patient must be ready to work closely with his/her dentist in order to prevent damage to their teeth and gums.
Proper oral hygiene can help to prevent cavities and bad breath which manifest themselves in the presence of dry mouth caused by cancer treatment. Saliva acts to rinse away bacteria which causes cavities and bad breath. Frequent sips of water can temporarily help to rinse away bacteria when the patient is unable to brush or floss. The patient must be made aware that he/she should not drink acidic or sugar-containing drinks, or use sugary gums or candy, to quench their thirst. Acid and sugars will eat away at the tooth enamel and increase the likelihood of cavities. To counter the effects of dry mouth from cancer treatment, the dentist might prescribe a mouthwash, gel, or a saliva substitute for the patient to use. These should be used as directed in order for the dry mouth cancer treatment patient to gain the full benefits.
Cancer treatment that causes dry mouth should be addressed by a dentist since, in addition to cavities and bad breath, dry mouth can make dental appliances painful to wear. The dentist can make recommendations, including possibly refitting dental hardware such as dentures and bridges. Gels or adhesives could be given to the patient to alleviate discomfort caused by the appliances rubbing against dry mouth tissues.
Any patient about to undergo cancer treatment should be warned about developing dry mouth, and the patient should in turn discuss the condition with their dentist in order to preserve his/her oral health.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services.
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