One of the main concerns during cancer care and treatment is the effect it has on a patient's oral health. After a treatment, you may find yourself having some dental problems or even feel that you need to go in for a regular checkup. Remember, to fight cancer, you're going to have to work towards your best health, which means taking care of your teeth as well. In this article, you'll find a few tips for taking care of your mouth and teeth after cancer treatments have begun, after all, your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, so it's the most logical place to start.
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Make A Dentist Appointment
The first thing you want to do is make an appointment with a dentist, such as the NuLife Dental and Med Center for a checkup after your treatments begin. You want a dentist that is compassionate, yet professional and able to deal with your particular needs as well. You already know that routine dental visits and checkups are important to your teeth, but they are even more important when you're undergoing cancer treatments. It's possible to experience moderate to severe tooth decay because of dry mouth after your treatments. Seeing a reputable dentist will help combat that decay before it begins.
Brush Regularly
It's also important to make sure that you're brushing your teeth regularly is recommended that you brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. It's important not to forget to brush your tongue as well.
Make Sure To Floss Daily
Most people forget to floss daily, and often get into the habit of not flossing the way that they should. This is more important than ever when you're undergoing cancer treatments. Cleaning between your teeth once a day, not every few days, will help to remove food and plaque buildup before they can start to cause problems that could be made worse by the treatments you're undergoing.
Rinse Your Mouth Often
Try to rinse your mouth as often as you can. Rinsing helps to keep the debris and food off your teeth and gums. It's also best to avoid rinses that have alcohol in them, for the best results. Between flossing, brushing twice a day, and rinsing your mouth it may help to reduce your chance of tooth decay, as well as developing an infection. If you do feel that you have an infection, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for a checkup and possible treatment.
Stay Away From Tobacco
Plain and simple, don't use any type of tobacco products. They are not only bad for your teeth, but they are also bad for your overall body health as well. You want to be the healthiest you can be to fight through the cancer treatments and to be able to fight over cancer itself. Staying away from all tobacco products will help you with that.
Eat Healthily
As your oncologist has probably told you, eating healthy foods that are full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are the best way to boost your immune system. Not only do plenty of fruits and veggies help you to be healthier and fight cancer on a more level playing field, but they also keep your teeth healthy. These are just a few of the top tips out there for taking care of your teeth and mouth after cancer treatments. Remember, your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body so starting there will help you fight cancer as well.
