← Back
Nutrition and daily life

Dental hygiene: gentle but regular

During treatment the mouth is often a way in for infection. With low platelets gums may bleed, and with neutropenia small sores can become infected. This section explains how to care for your teeth safely.

Last updated: ~1 min read
An extra-soft brush with pea-sized paste.
Figure 1.A soft brush — Dental hygiene: gentle but regular

01Short answer

Brush gently at least twice a day, especially after meals, with an extra-soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Let the brush air-dry and change it often, especially after an infection. Agree floss and interdental brushes with your team when platelets are low. Use an alcohol-free rinse. A dental check before treatment is recommended; plan dental work with your team around your blood counts. Report bleeding gums, swelling, pain or white patches.

02Simple explanation

Extra-soft brush.

Twice a day.

Alcohol-free rinse.

Dentist: with your team.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: a dental check and clearing sources of infection before cancer treatment reduce mouth complications.

WHO: foodborne illness is more severe in people with weakened immunity; the five keys are keep clean, separate, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials.

04What happens in the body?

Dentures

Clean them daily, take them out at night and wear them less if you have sores.

A calm, empty dental room.
Figure 2.The dentist — Dental hygiene: gentle but regular

Blood counts

With very low platelets your team may suggest a soft sponge instead of a brush.

A brush upright in a cup.
Figure 3.Dry the brush — Dental hygiene: gentle but regular

Neutropenia

When neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter.

General rules

This section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”.

05Safety: four steps

Check, swap the risky, prepare properly, use in time.

Check — Date and condition.1CheckDate and condition.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Prepare — Clean and thorough.3PrepareClean and thorough.
In time — No delay.4In timeNo delay.
CleanHands and surfaces.
CookGerms die.
ColdGrowth slows.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
DenturesClean them daily, take them out at night and wear them less if you have sores.
Blood countsWith very low platelets your team may suggest a soft sponge instead of a brush.
NeutropeniaWhen neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter.
General rulesThis section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”.

07Key terms

Gingivitis
Red, bleeding gums.
Fluoride
A substance that protects tooth enamel.
Foodborne infection
An infection spread through food or water.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Gentle and regular.
  • Change your brush.
  • Report bleeding.
  • When in doubt, throw it out.
  • Call if you have a fever.

09Frequently asked questions

Is an electric toothbrush OK?

With a soft head and care, often yes; ask.

Can I have a tooth out?

Only at a time agreed with your team.

Are these rules for ever?

No. They are usually relaxed as blood counts recover; your team will say.

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. Is an electric toothbrush OK?

  2. Can I have a tooth out?

  3. Are these rules for ever?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Head/Neck Radiation (PDQ)
  2. World Health Organization. Five Keys to Safer Food manual
  3. World Health Organization. Food safety fact sheet
  4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Safe Food Handling
  5. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  6. American Cancer Society. Diarrhea
  7. NHS (UK). Dehydration
  8. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 2010. Scientific Opinion on Dietary reference values for water
  9. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
  10. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). St. John’s Wort
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →