08Aug

Radiation and Oral Health

What can I do to keep my mouth healthy?

The first step is to see your dentist before you start radiation therapy, and have all the necessary dental treatments that are recommended. Once your treatment starts, it's important to look in your mouth every day for any changes.

Helpful Tips:

  • Keep your mouth moist by drinking a lot of water and using a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth.
  • Use sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy.
  • Brush your teeth, gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss your teeth every day.
  • Don't use mouthwash with alcohol in it.
  • Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of ј teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt in one cup of warm water. Follow with a plain water rinse.
  • Choose foods that are good for you and easy to chew and swallow, also sipping liquids with your meal will make eating easier.

Stay away from:

  • Sharp, crunchy food, like tacos or chips, that could cut your mouth.
  • Hot, spicy, or foods high in acid.
  • Sugary food, like candy or soda.
  • Toothpicks.
  • All tobacco products.
  • Alcoholic drinks.

Remember:

  • Visit your dentist before treatment starts.
  • Take good care of your mouth during treatment.
  • Call your doctor or your dentist if you have any mouth problems.

About the Author

Related

Thumb Sucking Habit

Thumb Sucking Habit

Thumbsucking is normal and provides security for babies and young children. For young babies it is a...

Read More >
Children Teeth

Children Teeth

Unless there is a problem or complain from the child, the first dental visit should be between age 1...

Read More >
TMJ Disorder

TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that connects the jaw bone to the skull and is located ...

Read More >
Teeth Grinding

Teeth Grinding

People often grind their teeth in their sleep. You may not even know you're doing it. The causes...

Read More >
Bulimia

Bulimia

Bulimia is a an eating disorder involving episodes of binge eating (rapid consumption of food), foll...

Read More >
General Anesthesia

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is way of effectively sedate a patient “unconsciousness” to complete dental tre...

Read More >
Search Topics
Subscription
Name

Links
Contact Info
Phone Number:

(909) 623-0409

Email:

[email protected]

Address:

2009 W Holt Ave Pomona, CA 91768

Logo

@ 2021 by UDENT, Inc.