Supportive Dental Care Procedures
Palliative treatment, including dental care, focuses on managing the symptoms of these side effects and issues to keep palliative patients comfortable. The dentist can recommend a particular dental care plan after examining and talking with you or your loved one's healthcare team. Some of the palliative dental care treatments can include:
- More frequent checkups and preventive care
- Recommendations of mouthrinse for dry mouth
- Antibiotics for mouth sores
- Anti-fungal medications for oral thrush
Along with these treatments, the dentist may suggest drinking more water or eating a bland, soft diet to relieve dry mouth and relieve discomfort from mouth sores.
Dental restorations such as fillings or crowns may be required for patients who have developed cavities. In cases of advanced decay where an abscess has formed, the dentist may remove the tooth.
Palliative dental care can help relieve the pain and discomfort from the side effects of cancer treatments and other ailments. With palliative care, patients can typically eat, drink, and talk more comfortably. If your loved one is considering palliative care with hospice or with their doctors, speak to their dentist about maintaining their oral health too.