Chemotherapy and You

Chemotherapy is used to treat many malignancies. It is often a combination of drugs prescribed by your oncologist and may also be used as part of planned combined treatment with surgery or radiation treatments. From a dental perspective it is best if you can visit your dentist prior to commencing chemotherapy. This is not always possible because of time constraints of the effect of your tumor on your blood counts. If possible it is prudent to see your dentist after visiting your oncologist but prior to starting the chemotherapy regimens. At that time take the list of drugs that are going to be used as part of your chemotherapy treatment to your dentist so that they can record them in your chart. It is important to know the dosage and the timing of the chemotherapy treatment. If possible have a complete examination and a complete dental radiographic examination. The goal of treatment is to remove oral infections and potential oral infections and get the mouth in top shape prior to starting.

If a problem arises after starting chemotherapy consult your oncologist before seeking dental care. Depending on the chemotherapy treatment you may or may not be in suitable shape for dental care. In addition to talking to your oncologist about dental care during chemotherapy ask for an up to date circulating blood count and where appropriate an estimate of any associated risks of dental treatment. Your dentist can access drug reference books and using that information and laboratory blood test reports supplied by your oncologist determine whether it is safe to offer care. Sometimes even seemingly innocuous care such as scaling of teeth may be problematic in patients with low white blood cell counts or low platelet counts.

During chemotherapy you may develop mouth sores. Your dentist or oncologist may offer various treatments depending on your chemotherapy regimen.