Oral complications of cancer treatment arise in various forms and degrees of severity, depending on the individual and the cancer treatment.  Chemotherapy often impairs the function of bone marrow, suppressing the formation of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets (myelsosuppression). Some cancer treatments are described as stomatotoxic because they have toxic effects on the oral tissues.. The following are common to both chemotherapy and radiation therapy:

Oral Mucositis:  inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes; can increase risk of pain, oral and systemic infection, and nutritional compromise

Infection: viral, bacterial, and fungal (Oral Thrush); results from dry mouth (Xerostomia) and damage to the mucosa from chemotherapy and radiation

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)/salivary gland dysfunction: dryness of the mouth due to thickened, reduced, or absent salivary flow; increases risk of infection and compromises speaking, chewing, and swallowing.  Some medications, other than chemotherapy, can also cause salivary gland dysfunction. Persistant dry mouth increases the risk of dental caries.

Functional disabilities: impaired ability to eat, taste, swallow, and speak because of Mucositis, Xerostomia, trismus, and infection

Taste alterations: changes in taste perception of foods, ranging from unpleasant to tasteless

Nutritional compromise: poor nutrition from eating difficulties caused by Mucositis, dry mouth, dysphasia, and loss of taste.

Abnormal dental development: altered tooth development and craniofacial growth. 

MedActive Oral Relief Protocol* for Oncology

To learn more about MedActive's doctor recommended protocol, visit Oncology Oral Care .