The Link between Oral Health and Cancer: Why Your Doctor Might Save Your Life – News18
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Oral health is not just a minor concern, it is an integral aspect of cancer treatment
By understanding the connection between oral health and cancer, doctors and patients alike can collaborate to reduce risks and promote overall health
Oral health is usually not mentioned when cancer care is being discussed, but it is an important factor in the general health of cancer patients. Patients who are receiving treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, especially for head and neck cancers, are more likely to develop oral infections because their immune systems are weakened. The relationship between oral health and cancer can greatly enhance treatment outcomes and improve the quality of life for patients. Dr. Sandeep Goyle, Head, Medical Oncology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai takes us through it:
Cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation, can compromise the body’s immune system to fight infections, and even minor oral complications become a major issue. The oral cavity has a mix of bacteria, but in a healthy person, the intact and smooth inner lining prevents infection. But in cancer patients, treatment-induced damage to the oral lining compromises them to bacterial and fungal infections, causing mouth ulcers, gum disease, and pain.
The most efficient prevention against these infections is excellent oral hygiene. Regular flossing, brushing, and medicated mouthwashes will minimize bacteria and risk for complications. Warming saltwater gargles can also assist with maintaining cleanliness within the oral cavity. Those who are aggressive with oral hygiene, particularly cancer patients, tend to have fewer infections and better responses to treatment.
A further crucial element of oral health in the management of cancer is dental examination prior to commencing therapy. Patients with head and neck cancer who receive radiation therapy need to undergo a full dental examination in order to take care of existing problems like rotting teeth or gum infection. The management of these conditions beforehand minimizes the risk of major complications during treatment.
Medications administered during cancer treatment may also lead to oral health issues. Some of these drugs can enhance the possibility of fungal infection in the mouth, adding another complication to the patient’s case. Physicians may prevent this complication by adjusting drug dosages and prescribing antifungal medication accordingly.
In addition, other lifestyle factors such as smoking and tobacco consumption may increase the likelihood of oral infection in cancer patients. The elimination of these risk factors and emphasizing oral care may go a long way in the prevention of complications. Healthy lifestyle habits should be encouraged in the patients, along with avoidance of substances that increase their condition.
Finally, both physicians and patients have a mutual responsibility for ensuring oral care during cancer therapy. While patients are responsible for following oral hygiene regimens, physicians need to actively identify high-risk patients and initiate preventive interventions early. Oral inspections on a regular basis during treatment can identify infections early so that intervention may be instituted in a timely manner and further complications may be avoided.
Oral health is not just a minor concern, it is an integral aspect of cancer treatment. Maintaining good oral hygiene can avoid infections, enhance comfort, and help achieve better outcomes. By understanding the connection between oral health and cancer, doctors and patients alike can collaborate to reduce risks and promote overall health.
