Fluoride Use During & After Cancer Treatments

Cancer treatments can affect oral tissues, as well as pre-existing oral conditions can affect cancer treatments. According to the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, oral complications will occur in virtually all patients receiving radiation for head or neck malignancies as well as some patients who receive stem cell transplants or chemotherapy.



PCxx Anticaries Gel

Because of these effects, dentists and oncologists will recommend a fluoride treatment for patients to help prevent tooth demineralization. Fluoride rinses while easy to use are not adequate enough to help prevent demineralization in cancer patients. A fluoride gel containing 1.1% Neutral pH Sodium Fluoride or 0.4% Stannous Fluoride (Unflavoured) is recommended for optimal benefits.

Ross Healthcare is the manufacturer of Anticaries Gel, containing .5% Fluoride Ion, Gluten free and unflavoured it is widely used by the BC Cancer Agency and provided to patients undergoing treatment. Available in a 500ml size as well as an easy portable Home Care Gel (2oz) that easily fits in your pocket or purse for whenever you need it most.

If you are undergoing cancer treatment, or know somebody is is, their oral care is just as important now as it ever was, if not more so!

Fluoride Varnish

Source: British Dental Journal

Having been used in Europe for over 30 years and being only one of a few different tools to help prevent dental caries, fluoride varnish is slowly becoming more popular in Canada & the United States due to its ease of use & prevention capabilities.

Depending on the brand, the fluoride varnish that you use may have significant differences in preparation or ingredients from another brand on the market. Varnishes provide a highly concentrated, temporary dose of fluoride directly to the tooth's surface and holds the fluoride there for a longer period of time than other forms of dental fluoride products.

Advantages of Fluoride Varnish over other forms of fluoride?

• Enhances fluoride uptake during early stages of demineralization.
• Fluoride is in contact with tooth enamel for a longer period of time (days) as opposed to minutes with other fluoride treatments.
• Inadvertent ingestion is less likely.
• Quickly & easily applied.

What are your thoughts on Fluoride Varnish? Like...Dislike? Have you used it or would you?