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If you have cancer, it’s very important for you to take good care of your smile. If you have strong and healthy teeth and gums, there is a low chance that you will suffer infection during your treatment.

Some things you can do to take good care of your smile are:

-Visit your dentist: By dealing with dental issues before you begin your cancer treatment, you reduce your chances of experiencing dental side effects that are common for chemotherapy and radiation patients. Some treatments your dentist might offer include providing fluoride treatment, placing dental fillings, treating gum disease, and removing infected teeth.

-Brush regularly: It’s best to brush your teeth twice a day with an extra-soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!

-Floss: Make sure you floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing can help you remove the plaque and food particles that are stuck between your teeth. If your gums are sore or bleeding, please avoid flossing those areas and move on to clean the rest of your smile.

-Avoid using tobacco: Tobacco products are extremely dangerous and harmful for your body, especially your mouth. So, please avoid using tobacco. Also, if you stop using tobacco products, it may help your body heal faster.

-Rinse often: Mouthwash is a beneficial product that should be used often, so please try to rinse with mouthwash once a day. Doing so will deeply clean your smile and prevent tooth decay and infection. The rinse can also protect your teeth from the acidic particles in vomit.

Doing these things will help you have a more convenient experience with your cancer treatment in West Seneca, New York. For more information and details, please call Tammy Perison, DDS Family and Cosmetic Dental Care at 716-674-5256 and schedule an appointment with your dentist, Dr. Tammy Perison. We look forward to helping you!