The good news is that if you develop a proper oral hygiene program with your patients, it’s possible to lower the number of microorganisms in the mouth (bacteria, fungi and viruses) and reduce the painful inflammation associated with treatment-related side effects dental supplies. It is standard practice that all patients who will be undergoing cancer therapy receive a comprehensive dental evaluation before beginning treatment. This evaluation should include a thorough history, including medication use; a full cleaning and examination to detect any potential sources of infection; the restoration of any tooth that might become infected; the extraction of any tooth which might lead to an infection; and the removal of any sharp edges on dentures, partials, and teeth. Another important aspect of the process is patient education. During this visit, make sure the patient is aware that they should be doing the following: Clean your mouth every four hours and before you go to bed. If you have a lot of mouth sores, you may wish to do this more frequently dental air compressor. Brush with a very soft pediatric toothbrush, and replace it often. Use a gentle, fluoride toothpaste. Rinse as often as possible with a soothing mouth rinse like The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums™ Mouth Rinse, that doesn’t contain alcohol, harsh chemicals, preservatives, or dyes. The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Mouth Rinse is the only product on the market with a therapeutic amount of aloe vera, proven to soothe painful mouth irritations.2 Avoid alcohol and tobacco products. Avoid crunchy and spicy foods, as well as citrusy drinks like orange juice. Don’t eat or drink food or beverages that are hot and can potentially burn your mouth. Examine your mouth every morning and night for changes. Dental Instruments And Their Names? for more information.Let the patient know that they should schedule frequent appointments during their cancer treatment (often times weekly) to prevent infections and enable you to troubleshoot areas before major symptoms develop. Caring for patients undergoing cancer therapies requires confidence, knowledge, and compassion. By playing an active role in their therapy, you can help decrease the cost of their care and increase their quality of life. Dr. Susan Calderbank, DMD, is an associate professor of oral medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine who operates her private practice in Greenville, Pa. She served on the Pennsylvania State Dental Board for 13 years and was the first female chairman in its history, and she holds fellowships in the Pierre Fauchard Society, the International College of Dentists, and the American College of Dentists. In April of 2003, Dr. Calderbank received a Special Public Service Award from the Pennsylvania Dental Association in recognition of her commitment to raising awareness of the oral complication of cancer therapies tooth scaler australia. She is also on the Professional Advisory Board of Breastcancer.org and is an active lecturer in the area of oral health as it relates to cancer therapies.