Underlying dental problems can cause infections that the body can't fight off while being treated for breast cancer. If possible, schedule a visit to the dentist for a cleaning and checkup before beginning chemo or radiation therapy, and have any cavities, gum disease, or other problems treated. If you or the cancer patient you're caring for wears dentures, have the dentist make sure they fit properly and aren't causing any abrasions or irritation.
Note: Such dental appointments can be a chicken-and-egg situation that you should discuss with the doctor: If white cell counts or platelet counts are low, the doctor may advise holding off on dental treatment to avoid bleeding or infection.
A few other things to keep in mind in terms of oral hygiene:
1) Brush often (four to five times a day), using the softest possible toothbrush.
2) Wet toothbrush with warm water to soften it before brushing.
3) Switch to a foam toothbrush if even soft-bristle toothbrushes are too harsh.
4) Make sure the toothbrush is cleaned thoroughly between brushings; one strategy is to alternate between two toothbrushes, letting each dry thoroughly.
5) If toothpaste is irritating, mix up a paste of baking soda and warm water.
6) If any kind of toothbrushing is too painful, use cotton swabs or special dental swabs.
7) Remove mouthwash from the bathroom, since alcohol, peroxide, and other ingredients are highly irritating.
Other preventive strategies involve keeping the mouth tissues well hydrated. During chemo, it can help immensely to chew on ice chips while undergoing infusion. Then, starting right afterward, rinse regularly with a saline mouthwash, a homemade baking soda mouthwash (a half teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water), or the prescription mouthwash chlorhexidine.
