Dental care before and during cancer treatment: chemotherapy and head and neck radiotherapy
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the head and neck affect the tissues of the mouth directly: mouth sores (mucositis), dry mouth, a tendency to infection and faster decay are common. So a dental examination before cancer treatment starts is recommended, ideally with teeth that need extracting and sources of infection dealt with before treatment begins. During and after treatment, the dentist works in contact with the oncology team.
A dental check before cancer treatment
The aim is to deal in advance with problems that could flare up during treatment. Decay, gum disease, infection at root tips and loose teeth are assessed, with a panoramic X-ray if needed.
- Teeth that can't be saved or are a source of infection are removed before treatment, leaving time to heal; timing is agreed with the oncology team.
- Sharp fillings and dentures are adjusted so they don't cause sores.
- A scale and polish is done and home care explained.
- Fluoride treatment may be planned for people having radiotherapy.
What can happen in the mouth during treatment?
| Problem | What can help |
|---|---|
| Mouth sores (mucositis) | A soft brush, alcohol-free mouthwash, avoiding spicy and acidic food; pain relief as advised by your doctor |
| Dry mouth | Sipping water often, sugar-free gum, saliva substitutes; see dry mouth |
| Fungal infection (thrush) | White patches on the tongue and palate; needs treatment |
| Tendency to bleed and infection | Planned dental work is postponed while blood counts are low; urgent problems are managed together with the oncology team |
| Taste changes | Usually improve gradually after treatment ends |
If dental treatment is needed during chemotherapy, the timing is decided with your oncologist based on your blood counts.
After head and neck radiotherapy
The blood supply to the jawbone in the treated area can be reduced. After surgery such as an extraction there, the bone may fail to heal (osteoradionecrosis). So after radiotherapy, treatments that keep teeth are preferred over extraction, and any surgery is planned in advance.
With less saliva, decay can progress quickly. Regular check-ups, high-fluoride toothpaste or gels and cutting down sugary snacks are important. If opening the mouth becomes restricted, jaw exercises may be advised.
Caring for your mouth at home
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste
- Use floss or interdental brushes; check with your dentist if there's bleeding
- Alcohol-free mouthwashes recommended by your doctor
- Take dentures out and clean them every night
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
For technique, see how to brush your teeth properly.
A pre-treatment dental check in Beylikdüzü
If you're about to start or are having cancer treatment, mention it when booking; we'll prioritise the examination and give you a written summary of findings and recommendations you can share with your oncology team. Bringing a list of your medicines and recent blood test results makes the assessment easier.
Dent32 Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Polikliniği (Dent32 Dental Polyclinic) is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul and is open seven days a week. To book, call or WhatsApp +90 555 011 33 68, or use our contact page. At the examination we share the findings, the options and the approximate cost in writing; you are under no obligation to start treatment afterwards.
For clinic details, our dentists and the full list of treatments, visit Dent32, our dental practice in Beylikdüzü.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see a dentist during chemotherapy?
Yes, but planned treatment is timed with your oncologist according to your blood counts. For urgent problems such as pain or swelling, contact your dentist and oncology team without delay.
Can teeth be extracted after radiotherapy?
Extractions in the treated area are planned carefully because of the risk of the bone not healing. Treatments that keep the tooth are preferred where possible; if extraction is needed, precautions are discussed in advance.
What helps mouth sores during chemotherapy?
A soft brush, alcohol-free mouthwash, plenty of water and avoiding spicy and acidic food help. If sores stop you eating, your doctor can suggest treatments to reduce the pain.
