| "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path - and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ |
| SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY Dental Care |
| ORPHANS OF THE CANCER STORM |
| Disclaimer This information page has been prepared by an individual who does not have medical training. However its contents have been reviewed by appropriately qualified medical professionals for accuracy and quality. This page is intended for information purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnosis or treatment. If this information raises any concerns about your child’s condition or care protocol, discuss them with his or her paediatrician, oncologist, or other appropriate medical professional who has knowledge of the case. |
Radiation and certain chemotherapy drugs can cause changes in a child’s ability to produce saliva. Cavities and gum infections are more likely to occur if plaque is allowed to build up rapidly on your child's teeth, such as during periods of under salivation. Chemotherapy may delay the growth of your child's permanent teeth. Cranial radiotherapy may also damage the roots of adult teeth, causing them to be very delicate and thin. Ask your child’s dentist to refer to the current issue of Paediatric Dentistry Reference Manual to formulate an appropriate dental plan for the duration of chemotherapy and follow-up. So long as your child’s blood counts are high enough (ANC above 1000 and platelets above 100,000mm3), take him to the dentist every three to four months for a thorough check-up and cleaning. If your child has a central line fitted, he should be given antibiotics before and after each visit to the dentist to protect against infection. Seek advice on practical dental care during very low blood counts before this situation arises. Consult both the oncologist and dentist for information. You may be advised to abstain for cleaning your child’s teeth with a brush, as this can damage vulnerable gums. After meals and snacks, gently wipe his teeth with a soft sponge or damp gauze. Go back to CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS page. Go back to GENERAL TREATMENT index. Go back to ORbIT TREATMENT index. Go back to SONGS TREATMENT index. |