Oral Hygiene and Breast Cancer Treatment
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Written by Madeline McNeill and Kendall Preston.
Madeline and Kendall are Public Health Interns with Going Beyond the Pink. They are both seniors at UNCW, majoring in public health.
There are many factors that relate to breast cancer that you may have never realized. Practicing the recommended oral hygiene routine can have many positive impacts other than keeping your gums and mouth healthy. Good oral hygiene can not only reduce your risk of breast cancer, it can also play a role in reducing additional health complications during chemotherapy treatments.
Chemotherapy + Oral Hygiene
When going through chemotherapy, there are a number of side effects that can develop as a result of the treatment. Chemotherapy uses a combination of drugs to slow cancer’s growth and help stop the spread. When more drugs are combined, it may worsen the side effects, with oral health being one of them. Chemotherapy affects all cells, specifically the ones that replicate faster than others, even if they are healthy. Since the cells in the mouth and tongue rapidly divide, those cells can potentially be attacked. This leads to a dry mouth, swollen and bleeding gums, and other conditions that can negatively affect your health.
Before treatment takes place, deep cleanings and other necessary dental work should be done. Once treatment begins, regular dental appointments should be maintained and gentle oral hygiene should be performed daily. Challenges such as surgeries or feeling fatigued may get in the way and make it difficult to stay on track. It is super important to practice preventive care, rather than waiting until the problem develops to do something.
During treatments, your immune system is already weaker from the loss of white blood cells, and the development of any dental infections could become more severe as a result. When your gums are inflamed, it allows bacteria and viruses to have easier access into your bloodstream. This can also cause your immune system to weaken and your body becomes more vulnerable to health problems. That said, it is important to keep up with your oral health. Be sure to follow recommendations from your dentist and get checked out if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below.
When oral health issues do arise, the last thing you probably want to worry about is having to go through even more procedures. That said, additional treatment may cause increased feelings of anxiety and fear. However, it is important to get the necessary dental work done so that it doesn't become worse and create further issues. Renaissance Dental is a great local option that has created a comfortable environment and uses tools to make dental work a breeze.
Symptoms + Prevention
Signs of poor oral hygiene:
Swollen gums
Tooth pain
Sores that won’t go away
Constant bad breath
Bleeding of gums when brushing teeth
Reducing the risk of poor oral hygiene:
Brush teeth at least twice a day
Maintain a healthy diet
Avoid cigarettes
Rinse with mouthwash
Visit the dentist regularly!
Links between breast cancer and oral health
There was a study done about women developing breast cancer and if it could be amplified by chronic gum disease. It turned out that the women who had suffered from chronic gum disease or had lost teeth due to periodontal disease were found to be more than two times as likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer as compared to those who had healthy gums. (Journal of Pharmacy and BioAllied Sciences)
One-third of people being treated for breast cancer can develop complications that affect the mouth. (Foundations of Dental Excellence)
Your mouth is the only place where hard tissue—the teeth—touches the outside world, so it makes it easier for sores to form. Since immune systems are already depleting when going through treatment, it is important to keep up healthy habits with your teeth! (American Society of Cancer Oncology)
If the side effects of your mouth get too bad, you may not be able to keep up with your cancer treatment. Your doctor may need to cut back on your cancer treatment or may even stop it. (National Institute of Health)
Recommended Items + Resources!
A gentle option for when your mouth is tender and sensitive.
If regular toothbrushes and multiple bristle toothbrushes are hurting, a sponge brush is another great option that can be utilized to clean teeth!
An alcohol and sugar-free toothpaste that is non-irritating and helps with dry mouth symptoms
Helps manage and provide relief for dry mouth and sores.
One last great resource is Chemotherapy and Your Mouth, this graphic goes into detail on oral hygiene tips and the importance of keeping your mouth clean during chemotherapy.