Radiation Caries
(Tooth decay)
Radiation treatment for head and neck cancer can cause changes to the lining of your mouth and throat that make you more susceptible to a condition known as Radiation Caries (tooth decay). Caries form when bacteria-filled plaque accumulates on your teeth and produces acids that eat away at the teeth's surface.
Image above: If not managed radiation caries can progress and cause damage teeth. Keeping your teeth clean is the key to prevention..
This is normally a consequence of having reduced saliva production due to the effect of radiation on the salivary glands.
Saliva does more than just moisten your mouth. It has antimicrobial proteins that help to keep decay-causing bacteria under control, as well as mineralizing components that help keep your tooth enamel strong.
Therefore, is important to establish a regular mouth care regime early on in your treatment to help keep the lining of your mouth and teeth as healthy as possible.
A good mouth care routine should include:
Clean your teeth with a soft toothbrush to avoid damaging the gums.
If you have dentures, remove them and clean them after eating and before going to sleep.
Rinse your mouth well with a mouthwash 4 to 6 times per day. (Do not use mouthwash that contains alcohol as this can dry and irritate the lining of your mouth).
A homemade sodium bicarbonate and salt mouthwash is recommended (see recipe below).
o In 1 cup (250mls) of lukewarm water dissolve -
§ ¼ teaspoon of bicarbonate +
§ ¼ teaspoon of salt.
After treatment is finished, if you continue to have a dry mouth:
See your Dentist 1 -3 months following completion of treatment and continue regular dental care as recommended.
Dentists advise using Neutrafluor 5000 (high fluoride toothpaste) following treatment.
Continue indefinite use of the bicarbonate of soda mouth wash to reduce radiation induced tooth decay (stop using salt component once mouth ulcers have healed).
If purchasing a mouthwash, choose a ‘non-alcoholic’ product.
If you require further assistance with managing your oral hygiene please speak to an Oncology Nurse or seek a consultation with a Speech Pathologist.
Page reviewed 5th May 2021