I had unexpected dental work done while on chemo. Dentists and hygienists are well trained in addressing the needs of cancer patients on chemotherapy and experiencing immune suppression of WBC counts.

Delaying dental care can lead to even bigger problems of tooth loss, bone loss and endocarditis of heart valves that can be extremely serious morbidity. A consultation can occur between one’s oncologist and dentist to discuss the prophylaxis and procedures to be used. For low WBC counts following a chemo session, Filgrastim or peg-Filgrastim can be used to increase cell counts. Even though I was being treated for stage IV disease, I was focused on long-term survival and keeping up with dental care.

Dental Care
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/chemotherapy-and-your-mouth.pdf
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https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/cancer-therapies-and-dental-considerations
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https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(18)30759-1/fulltext
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https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/mouth-care-during-your-treatment
While on the subject- chemotherapy can result in dry mouth which ends up promoting dental cavities and loss of teeth. Saliva is bacteriostatic and prevents bacterial growth in the oral cavity that can lead to destruction of teeth and bone loss. The product Xylimelts by OraCoat stimulates saliva overnight leaving the mouth moist and refreshed. Xylimelts are small disks with xylitol that adhere to the gum line and stimulates salivation for approximately 7 hours. They were recommended by my dentist and his hygienist that has a large clientele of cancer patients. Since using Xylimelts, it has eliminated dry mouth and no more cavities or senstivity issues.

ORAL HYGIENE
https://www.oracoat.com/xylimelts.html?654=16335&651=16326
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https://www.listerine.com/mouthwash/listerine-total-care/listerine-total-care-anticavity-alcohol-free-mouthwash
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https://www.colgate.com/en-us/zero#