Preventive
oral hygiene care, early detection of infection and pain control all
contribute to a cancer patient’s comfort, nutritional level and sense
of well-being.
Oral care during cancer therapy is
extremely important because systemic chemotherapy drugs and radiation
therapy to the head & neck region may cause oral complications. These
may include: dry mouth, inflammation of the cells lining the mouth and
throat, ulcerations, pain, and local/systemic infections. Most
complications are short-term, others are lifelong.
Established in 1985, the dental
oncology program at St. John’s is the first and only full-time program
of its kind in a non-university hospital setting in Missouri.
A specialty-trained advanced degreed
dental hygienist and oral surgeon coordinate this program, which
serves as a resource for patients and families as well as dental and
medical professionals.
For more information, please call
417-820-2562.