Dental
Issues and RAI:
Summary of ThyCa Conference Presentation
At ThyCa's 2003
Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Conference, participants heard from a
dental expert about dental issues associated with thyroid cancer,
particularly the effects of radioactive iodine on oral health.
Mark
S. Chambers, M.S., D.M.D., Dentist and Oral Oncologist at the University
of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, shared information
about the protocol followed at M.D. Anderson.
- At M.D. Anderson,
patients receive a dental cleaning before treatment for all forms
of thyroid cancer.
- Also important
is follow-up care after radioiodine treatment, to neutralize the
changed acidity of saliva.
- Dr. Chambers
told participants that upon noticing any change in taste or saliva,
they should stop using commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes and
switch to ultra-soft toothpastes and mouthwashes without alcohol,
phenol or whitening agents.
- A good alternative
to commercial products is baking soda for use as a scrubbing agent
and baking soda mixed with water as mouthwash—to be used 4-5 times
daily. For mouthwash, Dr. Chambers suggested mixing one heaping
teaspoon of baking soda with 10 ounces of water.
- Dr. Chambers
also stressed the importance of flossing daily.
Last updated: October 23, 2006
