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What Are The Side Effects Of Chemotherapy On Oral Cavity?

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Posted on Fri, 18 Jul 2014
Question: Is it predictable that Chemotheray CHOP, radiation to lower abdomen, testes, then whole body radiation including head would later cause teeth to start falling out, periodontal disease, finally had remaining teeth pulled.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (25 hours later)
Brief Answer:
radiation caries, restoration, artificial saliva

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query.

The chemotherapy and radiotherapy has too many adverse effects on oral cavity. After exposure to radiotherapy and chemotherapy of head and neck region, the salivary gland secretion will reduce which in turn leads to decrease in cleansing activity of saliva that increases the incidence decay(radiation caries) and periodontal problems(gum disease).
Ideally all the dental problems has to be treated before starting chemo and radiotherapy. After radiotherapy you cant go for removal of teeth since it results in delayed wound healing and necrosis of the bone(osteoradionecrosis).
But other things like decayed teeth can be restored with cements.
the gum problem can be solved by oral prophylaxis and use of mouth wash.
the decreased salivary secretion can be solved by the use of artificial salivary substitutes like wetmouth gel or sipping water.
Consult a oral physician and always take a opinion if you are going to get any teeth removed.

I hope my answer will help you, take care.
If any queries are there reply me back.

Regards,
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S

Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 3377 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Chemotherapy On Oral Cavity?

Brief Answer: radiation caries, restoration, artificial saliva Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query. The chemotherapy and radiotherapy has too many adverse effects on oral cavity. After exposure to radiotherapy and chemotherapy of head and neck region, the salivary gland secretion will reduce which in turn leads to decrease in cleansing activity of saliva that increases the incidence decay(radiation caries) and periodontal problems(gum disease). Ideally all the dental problems has to be treated before starting chemo and radiotherapy. After radiotherapy you cant go for removal of teeth since it results in delayed wound healing and necrosis of the bone(osteoradionecrosis). But other things like decayed teeth can be restored with cements. the gum problem can be solved by oral prophylaxis and use of mouth wash. the decreased salivary secretion can be solved by the use of artificial salivary substitutes like wetmouth gel or sipping water. Consult a oral physician and always take a opinion if you are going to get any teeth removed. I hope my answer will help you, take care. If any queries are there reply me back. Regards,