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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + mouth and dental problems

A dental check before treatment can help reduce mouth infections and bleeding.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A tooth
Figure 1.A tooth — Leukemia + mouth and dental problems

01Short answer

Chemotherapy can cause mouth sores (mucositis), dryness and infections. When white cells and platelets are low, extractions and other procedures are risky, so timing is agreed with the haematologist. Tell your dentist about your leukaemia and medicines.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your dental doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Mucositis: inflammation and sores of the mouth lining.

Timing of procedures: dental work is usually planned once blood counts recover.

04What happens in the body?

Mouth and dental problems and leukaemia

People with mouth and dental problems can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and mouth and dental problems can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

A soft toothbrush
Figure 2.A soft toothbrush — Leukemia + mouth and dental problems

Two teams together

When your haematologist and dental doctor share information, treatment is safer.

An empty dentist chair
Figure 3.An empty dentist chair.

05Treatment with mouth and dental problems

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Bleeding gumsLow plateletsTell your team
Painful mouth soresMucositisTell your team
Toothache and swellingInfectionContact your team now

07Key terms

Mucositis
Inflammation and sores in the mouth.
Dental check
Checking the mouth before treatment.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I brush my teeth?

Yes, with a very soft brush, unless your team says otherwise.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I brush my teeth?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Mouth Disorders
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Mouth and Throat Problems during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. Cancer Research UK. Types of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
  5. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Genetic testing and AML
  6. ESMO. ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines: Haematological Malignancies
  7. American Cancer Society. Informed Consent
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). What Are Clinical Trials?
  9. NHS (UK). Chemotherapy
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Immunotherapy for Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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