15 - Role of dentist in cancer therapy

Question 1

Why is OH so important prior to beginning cancer therapy?

Answer 1

• reduce treatment complications and avoid unscheduled interruption of chemotherapy
• avoid exacerbation of mucositis
• removal potential sources of infection
• reduce post-teatmetn complications to enable plantain for rehabilitation

Question 2

What is mucositis?

Answer 2

• inflammation and ulceration of the oral mucosa
• severe pain
• caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy (if H&N)
• can impact eating and OH

Question 3

How can the patient reduce the effects of mucositis?

Answer 3

Avoid
- smoking
- spirits
- spicy foods
- tea and coffee
- non prescription MW
- oral cooling with ice

Question 4

What can be prescribed to reduce the effects of mucositis?

Answer 4

• topical lidocaine
• saline MW
• sodium bicarb
• benzydamine HCl
• gelclair
• caphasol
• tea tree oil MW
• systemic analgesia