Dentists share symptoms of “chemotherapy rooms”
Dr. Rajiv Saini, a dentist and periodontal specialist from Katy, Texas, discusses one of the lesser known side effects of chemotherapy and radiation in cancer patients.
During active cancer treatment, patients face many small battles on the road to remission.
One lesser known struggle is the painful side effects of a condition called chemotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation.
For some people, chemotherapy can cause mouth pain and other unpleasant symptoms, such as the limited ability to eat, drink, or even speak, according to experts.
“I’m a cancer survivor – here’s what I cut out from my kitchen.”
In a camera interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Rajiv Saini, a dentist and periodontal specialist in Katie, Texas, discussed the rarely spoken condition. (See the video at the top of this article.)
As cancer incidences lean across the US, chemotherapy mouths are one of the most common side effects, as the National Cancer Institute predicts that 26 million people will be diagnosed by 2030. He said there is a high possibility.
Experts say that chemotherapy mouth affects 90% of all head and neck cancer patients. (istock)
Of those suffering from head or neck cancer, 90% experience these symptoms. Of all cancer survivors, approximately 40% will suffer from this condition.
Saini, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, said the main symptoms of chemotherapy are red, swollen, painful pain in the mouth, also known as the oral mucosa.
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Patients may also experience a burning sensation that can be enhanced by spicy foods.
They also have a higher risk of contracting fungal infections.


During chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the immune system weakens and limits the body’s ability to create the right balance of minerals, doctors said. (istock)
Chemotherapy can cause water stomia, commonly known as the dry mouth, and metallic tastes that can disrupt appetite.
“Cancer treatment damages the salivary glands present in the mouth, which are responsible for producing the right amount of saliva,” Saini said. “So it really makes the oral condition worse.”
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“When your mouth is dry, you don’t have all the minerals, all the natural enzymes,” he added. “There is an imbalance in the oral microbiota.”
Saini says that one of the “most overlooked challenges” of cancer recovery and chemotherapy mouths is that it becomes “nearly impossible” to talk to family members even after their parents have broken their illness. I shared it with.


Experts say that chemotherapy mouths can leave cancer survivors who feel isolated from their loved ones. (istock)
“As chemotherapy and radiation worsen oral pain, inflammation and dryness, even the simplest words become painful,” he said.
“This implicit side effect not only affects your ability to communicate, but also makes you feel isolated from your family during an already overwhelming battle.”
Prevention of oral complications
Saini says weakened immune systems make patients more susceptible to complications like chemotherapy.
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Dentists recommended that cancer patients match routine dental examinations, especially directly directly, immediately after the cancer diagnosis, to address issues that could worsen during treatment.
“There’s a window of opportunity to get there right away within the next 2-3 days, set up an appointment with the dentist and clean your teeth,” he advised.


Newly diagnosed cancer patients should see a dentist before they can begin treatment, experts say. (istock)
“If you have cavities and cavities from the early days, you need to fix them. If you have a periodontal infection, you need to do a deep cleaning to be ready.”
Saini urged cancer patients to avoid mouthwashing and rinsing in the oral cavity with alcohol and colorful additives. They can also make the pain worse and even inflamed mouths.
Fixing salted rinsing
Saltwaterlins has been shown to be effective in chemotherapy oral treatment and alleviating symptoms, Saini said.
Specifically, sea salt water offers a variety of minerals that help to heal the mouth, such as sodium, calcium, zinc, chromium, and silicon.
“I’m a dentist – this is why you shouldn’t put your toothbrush near the toilet.”
“Sea salt usually works in a very natural way by providing all the minerals that help the healing of these cells in a much faster way compared to any oral care product,” he said. I pointed it out.


According to experts, sea salt is perfect for healing because of its beneficial elements. (istock)
Saini is also the Chief Science Officer of the Sea Saltwater Rinse Company H2Ocean, referring to research that sea salt has a therapeutic effect on the oral cavity, minimizing dental complications and promoting the healing process.
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Dr. Monique Gary, a breast oncologist and chief medical officer, a California-based breast testing provider, agreed that salted rinsing or salt and baking soda in water can be helpful.
“Usually, I recommend rinsing salt water for patients without salt because it can have a more calming effect,” she told Fox News Digital.


Alcohol-based mouth washing can worsen chemotherapy mouth symptoms, and experts should be careful. (istock)
“Magic Mouthwash” is a particularly useful rinse, Gary said.
It usually contains antihistamines and local anesthetics, and may or may not contain antacids, antibiotics, and antifungal properties.
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Gary also recommends patients avoid dehydration and use soothing lip balm to prevent cracked lips.
Dental treatment is essential for cancer recovery, but Saini, which can lead to delayed oral care interventions, says there are no dedicated dental professionals attached to the cancer clinic.
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“This is a huge part of the pie we’re overlooking here, and it’s affecting the daily lives of (the patients),” he said.