What do I do if I need a transplant or chemo and radition therapy?
If starting any kind of transplant, I strongly recommend a dental exam to rule out dental infections. High bacterial levels in the mouth, lead to high blood bacteria levels. These bacteria from the mouth seek places to live such as heart or an irregular biological surface that is found in any surgically placed prosthesis. High bacterial levels also complicate the body’s acceptance of a transplant and post surgical healing. Many transplant specialists will not even put a transplant case on a waiting list until the case has had dental clearance. Before beginning cancer therapy a dental evaluation with a full set of mouth x-rays should be performed. Any decay, gum disease or abscesses should be treated, if time permits, prior to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The oral cavity can undergo serious changes during and after therapy. It is best to have the patient’s mouth in optimal health prior to beginning anti-cancer therapy. Each year about 400,000 people with cancer develop treatme
