What oral infection is most commonly associated with radiation therapy?

The patient may develop problems in swallowing and speaking. Mucositis usually occurs after the second week of radiation therapy. The lips, buccal mucosa, soft palate, borders of tongue and floor of mouth are at greater risk of mucositis. Severe symptoms usually resolve within six weeks following completion of therapy.

How long does it take for your mouth to heal after radiation?

It can take 6 months or longer after radiation therapy ends for the salivary glands to start producing saliva again. Dry mouth often improves during the first year after radiation treatment. But many people continue to have some level of long-term dry mouth.

Can radiation treatments affect your teeth?

Radiation to the head and neck for treatment of cancer does not have a direct affect on the teeth but can change saliva. The saliva may feel thick and sticky or the mouth may feel dry. When this happens the teeth can become painful and cavities can form quickly.

Does radiation therapy cause mouth sores?

Chemotherapy and radiation — alone or combined — can cause mouth sores. That’s because these cancer treatments are intended to kill rapidly growing cells, such as cancer cells. Some healthy cells in your body also divide and grow rapidly, including the cells that line the inside of your mouth.

What is near the oral cavity that is especially sensitive to radiation?

The salivary glands are especially sensitive to radiation and show acute and chronic responses to radiotherapy. Of all of the salivary glands, the parotid gland is mainly affected because the serous cells are most sensitive.

What are the most common tooth to become impacted?

An impacted tooth simply means that it is “stuck” below the gums and cannot erupt or function properly. The most common teeth to become impacted are the third molars or “wisdom teeth” as they are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth.

Does radiation cause dental problems?

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may cause changes in the lining of the mouth and the salivary glands, which make saliva. This can upset the healthy balance of bacteria. These changes may lead to mouth sores, infections, and tooth decay.

What helps dry mouth after radiation?

10 Tips for Dealing With Dry Mouth During Radiation Therapy

1. Stay well hydrated by carrying water with you at all times, sipping frequently.
2. Choose foods that are soft and easy to swallow.
3. Chew sugarless gum to encourage saliva production.
4. Use numbing sprays to make eating less painful.

Can radiation cause gum disease?

Radiation therapy can change the amount and consistency of your saliva. This increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Having good oral hygiene is important in lowering your risk of these conditions. Your dentist may also recommend special fluoride treatments during and after radiation therapy.

Why are molars removed for radiation?

If your radiation therapy calls for high dose radiation, then the tooth that needs to be extracted should optimally go before the radiation treatment commences. The chief reason for this is that radiation treatment over time has cumulative effects on the body which all impact our decision of when to extract.

What is magic mouthwash?

Magic mouthwash is the term given to a solution used to treat mouth sores caused by some forms of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Mouth sores (oral mucositis) can be extremely painful and can result in an inability to eat, speak or swallow.

Can radiation cause dental problems?

What are the side effects of radiation therapy on patients with oral cancer?

Patients are at an increased risk for xerostomia (dry mouth), mucositis (inflammation of the soft tissues of the mouth), dental caries (decay), loss of taste, fibrosis of the muscle, vascular, and lymphatic tissues, malaise, and infection. One of the most common side effects of radiation therapy is salivary gland dysfunction.

What are the possible complications of dental radiation?

Fibrosis (growth of fibrous tissue) in the mucous membrane in the mouth. Tooth decay and gum disease. Breakdown of tissue in the area that receives radiation. Breakdown of bone in the area that receives radiation.

What are the side effects of radiation treatment?

Dry Mouth. Radiation treatment can cause the glands in your mouth to produce less saliva. This can make swallowing difficult, called dysphagia. It may also make your mouth sensitive, cause bad breath, and lead to tooth decay.

What are the side effects of SLP radiation therapy?

Your SLP can help you reduce side effects and improve function. Dry Mouth. Radiation treatment can cause the glands in your mouth to produce less saliva. This can make swallowing difficult, called dysphagia. It may also make your mouth sensitive, cause bad breath, and lead to tooth decay.