DR OKEEFE  NEW WEB

 SEDATION

RELAXATION

From mildly relaxed to

"I thought I was asleep"

You can be as relaxed as you wish.

                             HEAD AND NECK RADIATION: ORAL EFFECTS

Foothills Medical Centre

Division of Dentistry & Oral Medicine

403/ 670-2401

EFFECTS OF RADIATION ON THE MOUTH:

1.       Bone becomes more susceptible to infection.

          Radiation causes the blood supply in the bone to decrease (become ischemic) and thus, there is an increased risk of infection in the bone.  It is important to avoid any oral surgery (extractions, periodontal surgery, etc.) after receiving radiation therapy; otherwise a serious infection may occur.  The effect to the bone is life long.

2.       Mouth becomes dry.

          Radiation causes saliva to be decreased causing food to stick to the teeth.  Therefore, it is important to use the fluoride trays daily in order to reduce the risk of radiation-induced cavities.  This risk continues as long as the mouth is dry.  It is important to continue using the fluoride on the teeth until our dentist instructs otherwise.  This effect can last several months, several years or even life long.

3.       Taste becomes altered.

          A taste alteration or even complete loss of taste can occur during radiation.  The loss of taste may effect only certain foods, may alter the taste of foods or may cause food to have no taste at all.  This effect may take several weeks or months to return to normal, although in very rare cases, a taste alteration can be permanent.

4.       Sores in the mouth may develop.

          A distinct line will show on the skin outside the face where the radiation is directed.  Sores (similar to canker sores) may occur inside the mouth, especially close to large fillings or crowns.  This effect will stop when the radiation is finished and will then slowly heal over the following days or few weeks.

SALIVA STIMULATORS:

There are numerous suggestions to help stimulate saliva.  Some suggestions are:

1.       Sipping water throughout the day; carry water in a bottle or flask.

2.       Club soda swished in the mouth.

3.         Sugarless mints or gum.

4.       Biotene^® products (toothpaste, mouthwash, lubricant, gum).

5.       Use a humidifier at home (particularly in the bedroom at night) and at the workplace.

6.       Artificial saliva substitutes (Salivart^®, Moi-Stir^®) are available through a local pharmacy, however, most people find these to be of little help, due to poor taste and high cost.

THINGS TO AVOID WITH A DRY MOUTH:

1.       Smoking or using other tobacco products cause irritation to the mouth tissues.

2.       Drinks with alcohol are irritating and cause further drying of the mouth.

3.       Commercial mouthwashes have a high alcohol content and cause further drying.

4.       Concentrated sugars such as candy or gum (unless on special instruction by the Oncology Dietician) result in an increased risk of cavities.

5.       Petroleum-based lip moisturizing products (such as Vaseline, Chapstik or Lypsol) can cause peeling and cracking of the lips when used for long periods.  Use a water-based lubricant instead (such as Blistex, Dermabase or K-Y Jelly).