Lymphoma is a type of cancer in the lymphatic system (lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, and thymus gland) that can also affect other organs in the body. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and also include:
According to the World Cancer Research Fund, Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma account for about 3.5% of cancers worldwide.
Most often, the lymphomas themselves are not the cause of adverse effects on your oral health. The treatments are.
Symptoms of lymphoma include:
If you have any of these symptoms, and they persist or concern you, make an appointment with your medical professional. It's best to be safe and to catch lymphoma early so you can begin treatment right away.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and drug therapy may adversely affect your oral health in various ways. You may experience:
It's important to keep in regular contact with your dental and medical professionals so they can help you determine what steps you can take to ease the symptoms you may experience. If your oral health effects are severe enough, your medical professional may recommend changes in your treatment.
Practicing good oral hygiene may require some adjustments while undergoing treatment for lymphoma. Continue brushing twice a day, but consider getting a toothbrush with soft bristles that will be more gentle on your mouth. Running the bristles under warm water can soften them even more.
Suppose you're experiencing dry mouth from lymphoma. In that case, you won't have enough saliva to wash away food particles, causing it to collect on your teeth and gums and allowing bacteria to flourish. Keeping your mouth moist can help you avoid sores, tooth decay, and infections:
If you're experiencing pain in your mouth, it's important to watch what you eat and drink. Some tips for eating safely:
Foods and drinks you should avoid:
And one last important piece of advice – smile! According to the Mayo Clinic, smiling and laughter will do more than decrease stress and improve your mood. It can even relieve pain and improve your immune system, too. That's not to say it's unhealthy to go through a full range of emotions at this time, but try to keep a positive outlook because it can have real effects on your overall health and ability to recover. We wish you the very best in any difficult times you may face, and we send you an abundance of love and support. You can get through this!
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
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ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine