Treatment may include filling decayed teeth or removing infected or badly decayed teeth. Dental staff should clean your teeth and show you how to control the plaque in your mouth that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. This includes careful daily brushing and flossing. Good self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. Chemotherapy is likely to affect the mouth and teeth to some degree.
Some problems last only a short time, while others continue longer.
Certain chemotherapy drugs cause mouth sores to develop during treatment. The soft tissues of the mouth may become sensitive and irritated. The lips may crack and peel. Your dentist and physician can assist you in making your mouth more comfortable by providing mouthrinses and pain relievers. Changes in the mouth are usually at their worst shortly after you receive chemotherapy.