What is the chemotherapy mouth? The painful condition experienced by most cancer patients

During active Cancer treatment, Patients face many smaller battles on the road to remission.

One of those less known struggles is a condition known as chemotherapy mouthA painful secondary pain of chemotherapy and radiation.

For some, chemotherapy mouth can cause sores in the mouth and other uncomfortable symptoms, such as a limited ability to eat, drink or even speak, according to experts.

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In an interview in the camera with Fox News Digital, Dr. Rajiv Saini, a dentist and periodontal specialist of Katy, Texas, discussed the condition rarely spoken.

As cancer rates High trend throughout the United States, with the National Cancer Institute projecting that 26 million people will be diagnosed by 2030, Saini said that the chemotherapy mouth is likely to be one of the most common side effects.

Among those who have had head or neck cancer, 90% will experience these symptoms. Of all cancer survivors, about 40% will suffer the condition.

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Saini, a graduate of the Harvard’s Faculty of Medicine, explained how the main symptoms of the chemotherapy mouth are red, swollen and painful sores in the mouth, also known as oral mucositis.

Patients may also experience a burning sensation that can be intensified by Spicy food. They also face a greater risk of contracting fungi infections.

Chemotherapy mouth can also cause xerostomy, commonly known as a dry mouth, as well as a metallic flavor, which can alter appetite.

“Cancer treatment damages the salivary glands present in the mouth, which are responsible for producing the correct amount of saliva,” said Saini. “Therefore, it really deteriorates the oral condition.”

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“When your mouth is dry, it lacks all minerals, all natural enzymes,” he added. “There is an imbalance in the Oral microbioma“

Saini shared that one of the “most overlooked challenges” of cancer recovery and chemotherapy mouth is that it makes it “almost impossible” for parents to talk to family members, even after winning the disease.

“As chemotherapy and radiation worsen sores, inflammation and dryness in oral cavity, even the simplest words become agonizing,” he said.

“This tacit side effect not only affects its ability to communicate, but also has an emotional price, leaving them feeling isolated from their own families during an already overwhelming battle.”

Prevention of oral complications

A weakened immune system will leave patients more susceptible to complications such as chemotherapy mouth, according to Saini.

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The dentist recommended that cancer patients remain consistent with dental routine exams, especially directly after a cancer diagnosis, to address any problem that may worsen during treatment.

“It has a window of opportunity in which you can go immediately within the next two or three days, establish an appointment with a dentist and clean your teeth,” he advised.

“If there are initial and small dental cavities, they must be fixed. If you have an gum infection, a deep cleaning must be done, so that it is ready.”

Saini urged cancer patients to stay away from oral oral and rinse rinses with alcohol and colorful additives, since these chemicals can be harmful to a committed immune system. They can also aggravate sores and further inflame their mouths.

Salted water rinse arrangement

It has been shown that salt water rinses are effective to treat the mouth of chemotherapy and relieve symptoms, Saini said.

Specifically, the salt water of the sea offers a variety of minerals that can help heal their mouths, such as sodium, calcium, zinc, chrome and silicon, which Saini described as “of a well -balanced nature.”

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“Marine salt usually works in a very natural way by providing all minerals that help Healing these cells In a much faster way compared to any oral care product, “he said.

Saini, who is also the scientific director of the salt water rinse company is H2otean, referred to an investigation that found that marine salt has therapeutic impacts on the oral cavity, minimizes dental complications and accelerates the healing process.

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Dr. Monique Gary, Breast Surgical Oncologist And the medical director of ⁠bexa, a provider of breast exams based in California, agrees that a salt water rinse, or more baking soda salt in water, can be useful.

“I usually recommend a salt water rinse to my patients on one without salt, since it can have a more relaxing effect,” Digital Fox told Fox News.

“Magic mouths” is an especially useful rinse, Gary said. Typically contains an antihistamine and topical anestheticand may or may not include an antacid, antibiotic and antifungal.

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Gary also recommends that patients avoid dehydration and use a relaxing lip balm to avoid cracked lips.

Although dental care is crucial for cancer recovery, there are no dedicated dental professionals associated with cancer clinics, according to Saini, which can result in the delay in the intervention of oral care.

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“This is a very large piece of the cake that we lack here and that is affecting everyday life (of the patients),” he said.