A dentist will help protect your mouth, teeth, and jaw bones from damage caused by radiation and chemotherapy. Children also need special protection for their growing teeth and facial bones.
Doctors may have to delay or stop your cancer treatment because of problems in your mouth. To fight cancer best, your cancer care team should include a dentist.
Brush gently, brush often
Floss once a day to remove plaque.
Keep your mouth moist
Eat and drink with care
Keep trying (Quit Using Tobacco)
Take a moment each day to check how your mouth looks and feels. Call your cancer care team when:
Oral Health, Cancer Care, and You is an awareness campaign sponsored by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) through its National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse (NOHIC). This campaign is being conducted in partnership with the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Nursing Research, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Friends of the NIDCR.
National Oral Health
Information Clearinghouse
Attn: OCCT
1 NOHIC Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3500
Fax: 301-907-8830
E-mail: nohic@nidcr.nih.gov
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This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine