Why is oral hygiene maintenance important for oral cancer patient?
Conditions or practices are conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.
Oral hygiene carried out on a regular basis is essential to prevention of dental diseases.
Oral cancer patients have greater requirement for oral hygiene maintenance
There is alteration of structure and function of the oral cavity from the treatments for oral cancer
Maintenance of oral hygiene reduce risk of complications and decrease their severity
It reduces the chances of getting oral ulceration in patients who are on radiation or chemo-radiation.
Oral hygiene practices for Oral Cancer patients:
Brushing
Brushing is far superior to gauze/ finger brushing/cotton tipped applicator
Brushing should be gentle but effective
Brush twice daily
Use Soft toothbrush regularly
Use extra-soft toothbrush during periods of mouth sores
Frequently change & disinfect toothbrushes
Smaller head brushes may be used for difficult to reach areas
Toothpaste & Anti-cavity agents
Use fluoridated toothpastes
Special remineralisation toothpaste may be prescribed to reverse initial cavities/tooth decay
Fluoride gel in applicator tray significantly decrease tooth decay
Avoid highly cariogenic foods (Sticky or sweet foodstuff)
Interdental Aids:
Floss/ use interdental brushes on daily basis
Be gentle & avoid injury
May need to be discontinued if excessive bleeding
Avoid using tooth picks
Irrigation devices should be used on minimal settings
Mouthwash/Mouth rinses
Rinse your mouth with water after each meal
Can be done with a solution of One litre of water with a pinch of salt and baking soda (10 times/ day)
Use Chlorhexidine Gluconate mouthwash (5-6 times/ day)
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash
Avoid mouthwash with sweeteners
Use saline rinses intermittently for dry mouth
Bicarbonate (Baking powder) rinses useful for patient with vomiting
Denture care
Clean denture with brush
Soak in denture disinfectant
Dry the denture
Store denture in clean box
Thoroughly clean denture wearing areas & tongue
Avoid denture wear during night
Avoid denture wear during periods of soreness
Other Tips
It is mandatory to eliminate any areas of active disease or irritation from the mouth prior to starting any therapy
Dentist are an integral part of multi-disciplinary team caring for you. Please consult dentist prior/during /after your therapy. They will guide you regarding the best way to care for your mouth.
Regular visit to dentist helps prevent dental disease or helps to catch them early. This allows for simpler procedures to cure disease thereby preventing potential complications.
Regularly do self-oral examination to look for troublesome spots. Kindly bring them to notice of your healthcare provider.