Taking Care of Your Teeth During Breast Cancer Treatment
Dr. Kate Dudek • April 30, 2019 • 5 min read
Breast cancer mortality rates are falling and, whilst this is unquestionably a good thing, it is important that clinicians and researchers consider the long term quality of life experienced by breast cancer survivors. There are a number of latent disorders that have been shown to appear during or after treatment and if these are left unmanaged they can cause further complications, discomfort and pain. An area of the body that may be neglected during cancer treatment is the mouth, and oral complications can be a significant issue for cancer patients.
Following a cancer diagnosis, and prior to commencing treatment, it is recommended that patients undergo a comprehensive dental examination. This way pre-existing conditions, such as residual cysts and partially erupted teeth, can be documented, managed and/or monitored. This lessens the burden of undergoing additional oral procedures once cancer treatment has commenced.
During treatment, some of the main oral complications include mucositis (inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract), pain and mouth infections. Oral mucositis has a suspected overall incidence rate of 75-99% and is associated with a broad spectrum of chemotherapeutic agents, including anthracyclines and taxanes, which are both commonly used in breast cancer treatment. Specifically, women with breast cancer who undergo chemotherapy (of any type) have a 4% chance of suffering from severe mucositis. This in turn can lead to an inability, or unwillingness, to eat, causing nutritional deficiencies and weight loss. Thus, minimising the extent of the issue is of considerable importance. Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment to eliminate oral mucositis and the main focus to date has been on providing symptomatic relief.
One way of avoiding complications is to reduce the chance of infection. Ulcerative lesions can render a patient susceptible to bacterial infection. Adopting a meticulous oral hygiene approach, incorporating brushing, with a soft toothbrush, flossing and gentle mouth rinses, can reduce the likelihood of infection. Using a toothpaste that is designed specifically for people undergoing cancer treatment can make keeping on top of your oral hygiene a lot easier. The Ozalys Essential Care Refreshing Toothpaste with Ginger restores oral hygiene. Its humectant-rich blend of ingredients brings soothing relief to a mouth that might otherwise feel dry and uncomfortable. The addition of zingiber officinale (ginger root extract) can also help to alleviate some of the nausea that often accompanies chemotherapy treatment, whilst the soft mint flavour freshens the mouth.
About Ozalys
Ozalys’ products have been designed with women who have been affected by cancer in mind. Ozalys allows women to continue to care for themselves every day using products that innovate through their formulas, optimal absorption and packaging. Ozalys’ specially-formulated solutions are catered for physiological conditions that cause dermal sensitivity, or for the side effects of certain treatments that may result in olfactory and dermal ultra-sensitivity.
Ozalys’ personal hygiene, face and body care products have all been developed with the utmost care, minimising preservatives and excluding all substances suspected of being harmful to the body. Their highly soothing, moisturising and protective properties, as well as their delicate application and scent, turn daily beauty routines into moments of well-being and comfort.
Sources:
- Keefe, D M, et al. “Updated Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Mucositis.” Cancer, vol. 109, no. 5, 1 Mar. 2007, pp. 820–831., doi:10.1002/cncr.22484.
- Mosel, D D, et al. “Oral Complications in the Treatment of Cancer Patients.” Oral Diseases, vol. 17, no. 6, Sept. 2011, pp. 550–559., doi:10.1111/j.1601-0825.2011.01788.x.
- Ryan, J L, et al. “Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) Reduces Acute Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea: A URCC CCOP Study of 576 Patients.” Support Care Cancer, vol. 20, no. 7, July 2012, pp. 1479–1489., doi:10.1007/s00520-011-1236-3.
- Wong, H M. “Oral Complications and Management Strategies for Patients Undergoing Cancer Therapy.” The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2014, no. 581795, 2014, doi:10.1155/2014/581795.
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During pregnancy, a woman should remain under observation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including gynaecologists and oncologists to ensure that the support she receives is optimal for both her and her baby. Growth scans will be performed regularly to ensure that the baby is developing as he or she should be. If possible, the medical team will try to ensure that the woman delivers her baby as close to her due delivery date as possible. After delivery, treatment options will be reassessed. Get yourself the [post-surgery pack](https://nabtahealth.com/product/post-surgery-selfcare-pack-copy/) Nabta is reshaping women’s healthcare. We support women with their personal health journeys, from everyday wellbeing to the uniquely female experiences of fertility, pregnancy, and [menopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/menopause/). Get in [touch](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#99e0f8f5f5f8d9f7f8fbedf8f1fcf8f5edf1b7faf6f4) if you have any questions about this article or any aspect of women’s health. We’re here for you. **Sources:** * “Breast Cancer.” Breast Cancer during Pregnancy | Cancer Research UK, 21 Nov. 2017, [https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/living-with/breast-cancer-during-pregnancy](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/living-with/breast-cancer-during-pregnancy). * “Breast Cancer, Pregnancy and (Green-Top Guideline No. 12).” Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, [https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/gtg12/](https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/gtg12/). * Johansson, A L V, et al. “Diagnostic Pathways and Management in Women with Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer (PABC): No Evidence of Treatment Delays Following a First Healthcare Contact.” Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, vol. 174, no. 2, Apr. 2019, pp. 489–503., doi:10.1007/s10549-018-05083-x. * Keyser, E A, et al. “Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer.” Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 5, no. 2, 2012, pp. 94–99.
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