I Need Help With Cancer and Teeth
Cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to wonder how it might affect your teeth and gums. At Gentle Dental Centre in Wanneroo, we regularly see patients preparing for or undergoing chemotherapy, and we understand the link between cancer and teeth. Addressing your oral health early helps prevent painful complications and ensures your treatment journey is as smooth as possible.
How Cancer Treatment Affects Your Teeth and Mouth
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells in the body, which can unfortunately include the healthy cells in your mouth. This is why many patients experience oral side effects of chemotherapy. These chemotherapy oral side effects may include:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Mouth ulcers and soreness
- Increased risk of infections
- Tooth sensitivity or decay
- Gum inflammation or bleeding
- Delayed healing after dental treatment
Managing these effects before and during your cancer care is important to reduce discomfort, prevent infections, and avoid interruptions to your chemotherapy schedule. Our dentists can also provide personalised advice to help manage the oral side effects of chemotherapy and keep your smile as healthy as possible.
Why Do Teeth Need to Be Removed Before Chemo?
Before chemotherapy begins, dentists may recommend removing teeth that are infected, damaged, or at high risk of causing problems. This is because chemotherapy weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections. A dental infection that might normally be manageable could become serious and potentially interfere with your cancer treatment.
Extracting vulnerable teeth beforehand is a preventative step — helping to reduce the risk of emergencies and allowing your oncology treatment to proceed without delays.
Is It Worth Fixing Your Teeth if You Have Cancer?
Yes. Even if your focus is understandably on your cancer care, stabilising your oral health is still very important. Small issues such as cavities or gum irritation can quickly worsen when your immune system is low. Fixing teeth before or during treatment can:
- Prevent painful infections
- Avoid interruptions to chemotherapy
- Improve your ability to eat and maintain nutrition
- Support overall comfort and wellbeing
At Gentle Dental Centre, we work with you and, where needed, coordinate with your medical team to ensure dental treatment is safe and supportive of your broader care plan.
Can Cancer Treatment Affect Your Gums?
Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments can make gums more vulnerable to inflammation, swelling, bleeding, and recession. Reduced saliva flow and a weakened immune response mean bacteria can build up more easily, putting you at greater risk of gum disease. These are some of the chemotherapy oral side effects that we watch closely during your visits.
Gentle professional cleanings, daily brushing and flossing, and fluoride support can all help reduce these risks. We’ll also tailor advice to your needs, ensuring your gums remain as healthy as possible throughout treatment.
Compassionate, Judgement-Free Dental Care
We understand that a cancer diagnosis is an incredibly stressful time, and the last thing you need is to feel worried about being judged for the state of your teeth or gums. At Gentle Dental Centre, our focus is on supporting you with kindness and respect. Many patients come to us feeling anxious, embarrassed, or uncertain about their oral health during treatment — and that’s okay. We’re here to listen, provide practical solutions, and help you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Gentle Support for Cancer and Teeth Concerns
Every patient’s situation is unique. At Gentle Dental Centre, our team provides compassionate care for patients facing cancer and teeth concerns. From pre-chemotherapy assessments to tailored treatment plans and supportive hygiene advice, we are here to make sure your oral health doesn’t add stress during an already difficult time.
We encourage you to book a consultation so we can assess your needs and help you feel confident about your oral health before and during your cancer care.
Dentist in Wanneroo – Accessible and Convenient
Gentle Dental Centre is centrally located in Wanneroo, making it easy to access quality dental care close to home. We proudly care for patients from surrounding suburbs including Ashby, Banksia Grove, Carramar, Darch, Hocking, Pearsall, Sinagra, Tapping, Edgewater, Kingsley, and Woodvale.
With flexible appointment times and a focus on accessibility, we make it simple to schedule visits that work around your treatment and daily routine. Your time and health are our priority, and our goal is to ensure every visit is as stress-free as possible.
