How Oral Health Can be Affected by Radiation

For those who are currently undergoing radiation treatments for cancer, you’re most likely aware of the more common effects these treatments can have, but there are some less well-known effects as well. Specifically, oral problems can arise as a result of radiation treatments for cancer in the neck and head, and patients should remain alert regarding these conditions as they would for other symptoms.

Some side effects from radiation can even lead to treatment being delayed or stopping altogether, so here is what patients should be on the lookout for and how they can prevent these issues.

How a Patient’s Mouth Responds

Since radiation treatments affect healthy cells as well as cancerous ones, the teeth, gums, salivary glands, jaw bones, and the mouth’s lining are at risk for problems. Oral side effects from radiation can include oral sores, dry mouth, tooth decay, loss of taste, jaw stiffness, infections, cavities, and even physical changes in the jawbone. Some side effects disappear once treatment is completed while others might not disappear as quickly once radiation ends.

For example, tooth decay might not subside as fast as lost taste, with decay often requiring more effort from the patient to be fully addressed. These side effects might not cause pain, yet they could make it harder to eat, swallow, or speak. If symptoms become this advanced, radiation treatment might decrease or even require cancelation until they subside.

When to Visit the Dentist

This may be a difficult time, but seeing the dentist can be as essential as seeing a primary doctor. Truthfully, some serious radiation-based mouth problems can be avoided by seeing the dentist at least two weeks before starting treatment and by continuing with checkups during and after treatment.

The dentist can recognize and treat any problems, show patients how they can prevent and manage them, look for changes in the mouth, and teach patients different jaw exercises for minimizing any lingering stiffness. Patients should inspect their mouth each day for uncommon mouth sores or other abnormalities the dentist should know about.

Some Advice Moving Forward

To keep their mouth as healthy as possible, patients can put forth extra effort in small ways, such as by getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D each day through cheese, milk, fortified cereals, fruit juice, or teeth and jaw-strengthening supplements (check with the doctor before taking a supplement.) As well, drink colder water to keep the mouth soothed and moist for preventing dehydration and, as always, brush and floss daily but also gently, following up with an alcohol-free mouthwash if possible. Avoid foods that are either too cold, hot, acidic, crunchy, or spicy, as any of which could cause irritation.

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