Cancer Treatment and Oral Health

Dental care is  an important element of caner treatment. As soon as possible after a diagnosis of cancer is made, your treatment team should involve Dr. Williams or Scott. If you will undergo treatment you should do the following:

	schedule a dental examination and cleaning before cancer treatment begins and periodically during the course of treatment
	inform Dr. Williams or Scott that you will be treated for cancer
	discuss dental procedures, such as extractions or insertions of dental implants, with your oncologist before starting the cancer treatment
	ask Dr. Williams or Scott to check and adjust removable dentures as needed
	inform Dr. Williams or Scott and your physician about any bleeding of the gums, pain or unusual feeling in the teeth or gums or any dental infections
	update your medical records with Dr. Williams or Scott to include the cancer diagnosis and treatments
	provide Dr. Williams or Scott and your oncologist with each other's name and telephone number
	maintain excellent oral hygiene to reduce the risk of infection