Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and research in the fight against this disease. The goal is to educate the public, support those who are going through breast cancer, and promote access to treatments and medical support. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women, so awareness and research are essential to improve prognosis.
A lesser-known aspect of breast cancer is the impact it can have on oral health. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have side effects on the mouth, including dry mouth (xerostomia), sores, infections, and inflammation of the gums. These problems can complicate dental health and increase the risk of oral infections during treatment. It is therefore crucial that breast cancer patients receive adequate dental care before, during and after treatment to minimize these side effects and maintain good oral health.
During breast cancer awareness month, we will talk about the surprising connection between cancer and oral health. During cancer treatment, different parts of the body are affected, including the mouth; if you have poor oral hygiene, there is a high chance that side effects will occur.
If you are undergoing treatment or are about to begin treatment for breast cancer, it is important to come to our office to ensure that your oral environment is as healthy as possible; in this way, we will help reduce any side effects.
Among the complications of the treatment are those that are direct or indirect. Direct complications are those caused by radiotherapy; it can cause damage to the bone, salivary glands and oral tissues. Indirect complications are caused by slow wound healing or the presence of infections that occur due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
● Dry mouth.
● Tooth decay.
● Oral infections.
● Changes in taste.
● Problems in the mouth and jaw caused by tissue and bone loss.
● Difficulties in the mouth and jaw due to the growth of benign tumors in the skin and muscles.
Cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy weaken the immune system; if poor oral hygiene is typical, there can be a negative impact on the oral cavity, where side effects such as those mentioned above can be found. Two key areas that result from poor oral hygiene during breast cancer treatment are:
Oral infections, such as fungal, bacterial or viral infections, are especially dangerous because the mouth is a gateway for bacteria. If an oral infection is not treated properly, it can spread throughout the body, complicating recovery and causing a burden on the immune system, already weakened by treatments.
Mouth pain, sores or oral infections caused by treatment can make eating difficult, which directly affects nutrient intake. Since good nutrition is essential to maintaining strength and energy during cancer treatment, any interference with the ability to eat can compromise a patient’s nutritional intake. Poor nutrition can further weaken the body, hinder recovery, and reduce a patient’s ability to cope with treatment.
It is critical for cancer patients to receive specialized oral care to minimize these risks and improve both their overall well-being and ability to recover.
During this breast cancer awareness month, we remind all our patients of the importance of scheduling an oral check-up appointment and of prioritizing oral health; in this way, we avoid gum disease and the accumulation of bacteria that can cause a subsequent infection.
Oral health is key to supporting cancer treatment, while maintaining dental health before, during, and after is essential to help recovery and avoid side effects. Our recommendations for proper oral hygiene and avoiding side effects from cancer treatment are as follows:
● Brush regularly: Use a soft-bristled brush and instead of toothpaste a mild solution of half a teaspoon of salt mixed with four cups of water to reduce irritation.
● Floss and rinse: Flossing and rinsing with water frequently helps remove food debris, preventing irritation. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
● Suck on ice: During chemotherapy sessions, sucking on ice cubes or sugar-free popsicles can relieve mouth pain.
● Stay hydrated: Drink enough water to combat dry mouth, avoiding acidic drinks that can cause discomfort.
● Visit the dentist regularly: During cancer treatment, keep your dentist informed about any changes in your oral health.
● Eat a balanced diet: Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps keep your oral and overall health in good shape.
● Avoid smoking and alcohol: These habits are harmful to both oral health and cancer risk; thus, avoiding them improves overall well-being.
● Manage stress: Practice techniques such as meditation or exercise to reduce stress, which can negatively affect both oral health and the immune system.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month not only emphasizes early detection and research but it also highlights the connection between cancer treatment and oral health. Chemotherapy and radiation can lead to dry mouth, infections, and other oral issues. Prioritizing dental care before, during, and after treatment helps minimize these complications, thereby supporting overall recovery and well-being.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly are essential for a smoothe cancer treatment journey.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, promoting early detection, supporting patients, and encouraging research efforts to fight the disease. Breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can lead to several oral health complications. These include dry mouth (xerostomia), tooth decay, gum infections, changes in taste, and issues related to bone and tissue loss in the jaw. These complications increase the risk of infections and negatively impact overall oral health. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy weaken the immune system, making patients more vulnerable to oral infections such as fungal, bacterial, or viral infections. They can also cause sores, difficulty in swallowing, and a dry mouth, which can complicate nutrition and healing. Dental care is crucial during cancer treatment because a healthy mouth can prevent infections, reduce discomfort, and promote better nutrition. Regular dental visits ensure that side effects of cancer treatments, such as dry mouth and sores, are managed effectively to avoid complications. Poor oral health during cancer treatment can lead to infections that may spread throughout the body, further weakening the immune system. Additionally, issues like mouth sores and dry mouth can interfere with proper nutrition, which is essential for maintaining strength and promoting healing during recovery.
1. How cancer affects dental health | Moffitt. (2019, 10 abril). Moffitt. https://www.moffitt.org/taking-care-of-your-health/taking-care-of-your-health-story-archive/how-cancer-affects-dental-health/
2. Love, S. (2023, 2 octubre). The Surprising Connection Between Breast Cancer and Oral Health – Love Dentistry. Love Dentistry. https://www.lovedentistry.net/dental-hygiene/the-surprising-connection-between-breast-cancer-and-oral-health/
3. Oral Complications of Cancer Therapies. (2024, 6 junio). Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/mouth-throat/oral-complications-pdq#_29
4. Oral health after breast cancer treatment in postmenopausal women. (s. f.). National Library Of Medicine. Recuperado 5 de octubre de 2014, de https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4221315/
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