More than one-third of all cancer patients develop complications or side effects that can affect the mouth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. While it’s especially important to care for your dental health after receiving a cancer diagnosis, there are also natural ways to care for your body and oral hygiene before, during and after treatment to avoid increasing your risk of complications.
Avoid Root Canals and Invasive Treatments
Cancer is sometimes caused by a microbe and being exposed to certain viruses, yeast, fungus, mold, and bacteria can complicate the symptoms experienced. In this aspect, root canals have been shown to be one of the most dangerous operations to have. Seeing as no blood can reach the inside of the tooth, they are a breeding ground for microbes and other toxins as your body can effectively fight them off. These toxins can suppress your immune system and lead to cancer, with one study revealing that a doctor found that 98% of his patients had one or more root canal teeth on the same meridian as a breast cancer tumor. Avoiding these types of treatments is recommended in general, but especially if you have already been diagnosed with cancer.
Dentist-Recommended Dental Care with Cancer
While you should follow a generally normal dental hygiene routine even with cancer, the disease might cause you to experience certain side effects that will require special attention. Many, for example, find that they experience dry mouth, mouth sores, jaw pain or sensitive gums. If this is your experience, the American Dental Association recommends treating areas of concern before you engage in any treatment for cancer, natural or otherwise, as it may help reduce possible side effects. It is also recommended to brush twice a day with a non-fluoride toothpaste and to floss every day as it helps remove plaque buildup and keep your mouth free of bacteria and microbes. If you find that the wax used in traditional floss is uncomfortable or not eco-friendly, there are many options to traditional flossing that only rely on water to clean your teeth.
Naturally Treating Dental Issues
If you are pursuing natural treatment for cancer, you will likely also want to enjoy the health benefits of holistic dentistry. Working to avoid introducing harmful toxins into your body, holistic dentistry will ensure that you aren’t using any amalgam, nickel, or other metals to fill cavities and opt for using composite resin instead. Seeing as fluoride can increase your risk for long-term health problems such as cancer and degenerative bone diseases, it’s generally recommended to stay away from fluoride toothpaste. Instead, opt for an all-natural toothpaste or try using coconut oil, which has antibacterial properties and has been shown to slow the growth of certain bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
When patients come to the Budwig Center, many find it very convenient to get any necessary dental work done at a nearby Holistic Dental Clinic with whom we collaborate. Their prices are very reasonable, and the standard is so high that some of our patients have commented that this is the best dentist they have visited.
Restoring Your Oral Health
Following a strict oral hygiene routine will ensure that you not only have great dental health but that you are helping your body fight off any viruses and microbes that might enter through your mouth and gums. By avoiding invasive treatments that can lead to infections and keeping your mouth free of bacteria and other germs you can avoid your risk of complications.