The Tribune

By Donnette Sands

Registered Dental Hygienist

IT HAS been reported during the genetic testing exercise conducted here on the island that one in four Bahamian women possibly carry the deadly genetic mutation (BRCA 1) related to breast cancer. Furthermore, Dr Steven Narod of the Cancer Research Chair at the University of Toronto explained that “one out of 10 women in the Bahamas gets breast cancer”.

With the ever increasing rate of Bahamian women being affected with this deadly disease, there has been an increasing movement to raise awareness.

Gum inflammation is one of many indications for generalised inflammation in the body.

A study led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) linked gum disease to a possible increased risk for breast cancer. They go on to explain that when your gums are chronically inflamed you are more susceptible to problems with diabetes, heart attacks, pregnancy complications, Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer.

The Journal of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment conducted a survey with over 3,000 people and found that individuals with chronic gum disease (periodontal disease) had a higher occurrence of breast cancer.

Once one has been diagnosed with this disease, chemotherapy or radiation may be used to kill or slow breast cancer cells by disrupting the growth and multiplication of the cells. If this method of treatment is undergone, side effects can be rigorous and may be inclusive of the following:

• Increased risk of mouth infections

• Difficulty in swallowing

• Mucositis, which is a severe form of inflammation of the mouth

• Taste alterations ranging from unpleasant to tasteless

• Difficulty with speech and eating due to dry mouth, which may result in poor nutrition

• Oral yeast infections

• Deep aching and burning pain mimicking a toothache

Although the more common treatments for breast cancer patients are chemotherapy or radiation, others may be treated with bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are drugs used to slow down or prevent bone damage. However, studies suggest long-term use of such bisphosphonates may actually contribute in destruction of the jaw bone. The risk is low, but increases with chemotherapy treatment.

Decreasing the side effects

Most people are aware of hair loss with chemotherapy. But most don’t realise that more than one-third of people being treated for breast cancer can develop complications that affect the mouth as mentioned above. Pre-existing or untreated oral disease can even complicate cancer treatment. This is one reason to make sure you visit your dentist at least one month before beginning cancer treatment for an examination and thorough dental cleaning.

The mouth is made of cells that renew themselves daily. Since chemotherapy and radiation target certain types of cells that regenerate quickly even under normal circumstances, your mouth will be susceptible to damage. If you minimise plaque buildup by practicing good oral hygiene, you can decrease the side effects of treatment for breast cancer.

Here are a few oral care recommendations:

Brush with a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums; changing the toothbrush every three months. Floss gently and daily. Only use alcohol-free mouthwash, but choose one preferably containing xylitol. When white blood cells counts are reported by your physician to be low, avoid dental treatment.

Dental treatment should be avoided for about a week after any chemotherapy treatment.

Use toothpaste and chewing gum with xylitol, which helps prevent cavities. Keep up with your regular dental visits to identify problems before they develop. If you wear dentures, make sure you keep them clean and that they fit well. Make sure to take them out at night with daily cleaning. Additionally, fluoride trays should be fabricated for you by your dentist/dental hygienist and worn for a few minutes each night throughout therapy to help prevent cavities.
Learning that you have breast cancer can be devastating news for you and your loved ones. Being aware of the side effects will help you to avoid many potential problems in other areas of your body. By practicing optimal home oral care, you will decrease harmful oral bacterial levels as well as side effects which result from breast cancer treatment.

Breast cancer treatment should be a concerted effort with your oncologist, physician, and your dentist working together as a comprehensive breast cancer fighting team.

Please contact your dental professional for further information on how you can move forward smiling while embracing life’s many seasons.

• Feel free to contact me at newprovidencedental@gmail.com for tips on maintaining a flawless, healthy smile.