Resolving Tooth and Gum Issues
Beautiful and Healthy Smile to Avoid Periodontal Disease Problems
Bellevue Cosmetic Dentists noted that a recent 2011 issue of CURE Magazine discusses doctor advice to patients that they should resolve their tooth and gum issues before they start any cancer treatment. Medical doctors indicate that problematic dentistry conditions need to be managed up front because management of these problems after cancer treatment is very limited. Additionally, depending upon the dental treatment needed, such as tooth extraction, the complication risk is so significant that not doing it prior to cancer treatment can lead to significant or serious difficulties after the fact. Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is an important problem that should be treated if possible before starting any cancer treatment. Depending upon the type and stage of the cancer, it may not allow total resolution of gum disease before starting cancer treatment. Periodontal disease can be a problem in the overall oral health and smiles of people who do not have cancer and should be treated when diagnosed.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), eliminating any pre-existing dental concerns or mucosal infections and then maintaining a good oral hygiene protocol before, during and after treatment can reduce the severity and frequency of oral complications from any cancer therapy. The NCI notes that there are an increasing number of studies that are giving more recognition to the importance of resolving a variety of dentistry issues prior to starting any cancer therapy. Proper dental care and hygiene can help mitigate problems that can occur during and after cancer therapy.
Dentistry Complications Prior to Cancer Treatment
The problems are varied and do not show up in all people being treated for cancer. Complications can be:
- Gums not healing properly after radiation
- Bone not healing properly after radiation
- Oral bacterial infections that can spread throughout the body
- Chemotherapy-induced immune suppression
- Severe dry mouth which accelerates tooth decay
- Taste dysfunction and problems chewing food
Damage to tiny blood vessels to the bone impeding proper bone growth
Because of these potential problems, any tooth extractions or invasive dental procedures in irradiated bones are likely to exhibit slow healing which can lead to pain and infections in some instances. Radiation therapy directed at salivary glands can be particularly problematic due to extreme dry mouth. There are medications to help alleviate dry mouth, but these usually rely on residual salivary gland function assuming that enough function still remains after treatment.
Dentistry procedures such as extractions prior to radiation are based upon the health of the teeth, the surrounding gums, and the bone around the teeth. Additionally, the amount of radiation to be used and the area to be treated are considered. Gum disease is a particular problem and is a cause for tooth extraction prior to radiation therapy. Other problems that indicate extraction prior to radiation therapy are root canals, tooth fractures and broken fillings that cannot be adequately restored.
Cancer Relationships to Periodontal Disease
When treating cancer, you cannot dismiss oral health because it affects your health systemically according to Dennis Abbott DDS. This is not surprising, as we Bellevue Cosmetic Dentists have reported previously about some of the problems associated with gum disease and overall health. Some of the problems that exist with periodontal disease are its relationship to heart disease and stroke and the possible relationship to some types of cancer such as breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. It is important that all people maintain excellent gum help to prevent future complications with other disease problems.
Great article! Informative. Check out my new site, http://www.southerndentalarts.com
generally people face this normal problem daily, great post!
Great in-depth knowledge and analysis of this Periodontal Disease problem doc. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Thanks.
I would say it is not very easy to find good reading in the Internet related to dentistry and professional dental tips. So, it is really actual post, thanks.
Great info, having gum issues and not taking care of it can cause some major dental problems
Great breakdown of resolving tooth and gum issues
Too many patients neglect the health of their gums. Thanks for sharing this article. Hopefully this can help get the point across to the public… your gums need love too!
Your blog page is excellent. Thank you truly for sharing a huge amount of powerful ideas. I will bookmark your web site and will be without a doubt coming back. Again, I appreciate all your work and supplying much priceless info for the many people.Bone Augmentation Brighton
Thanks for the blog, this is good advice for everyone. Since a diagnosis of cancer is generally unexpected news, this article underscores the need to practice good dental health maintenance before cancer therapy becomes an issue.
This is a good blog.I like this content that the tooth problem can solve by this way also.
Good post.This is so informative to us also.
Thanks..
http://www.westmetrodental.com/
I had heard about the possibility of gum disease and heart disease being linked, but had not realized that cancer treatments are also a problem for those with periodontal problems. I will remember that as someone in my family has major gum problems.
Healthadvisor,
Thanks for stopping by the blog. Glad this could be of use to you.
This is pretty good article.I like to read your article because it explain very valuable information of dental community.It is really appreciable thoughts.I glad to found it.Good .keep sharing.teeth straightening
I was just wondering how many people have tooth/gum issues from lip piercings, i really want a lower lip piercing to the side but im worried about dental damage how often does it really happen with a properly placed piercing? would a stud?
Great question. I don’t know of any problems with lip piercings, but that doesn’t mean there couldn’t be an infection or other problem. However, tongue piercings can cause broken teeth in some cases.
Very informative article and the focus on an patient’s overall health should always be considered. Good read.
Sacremento Cosmetic Dentist thanks for the visit and the nice comment. I visited your website and it is very nice. I like your before and after smile photos.
Thanks for this nice post……
Many people have mentioned that it would be helpful to see what a cosmetic dentistry treatment plan might look like. This will gives a good idea of the analysis and solutions receive from a cosmetic dentist…….
Atlanta Dental, Thanks for the comment.
Very informative. I wasn’t aware that periodontal disease and cancer were linked. Radiation treatment of head and neck can have devastating consequences on teeth and gums. What about radiation therapy elsewhere on the body?
Modri zob
Thanks for the comment regarding radiation.