
If your doctor has prescribed you bisphosphonates, especially if they must be injected intravenously, it is important to tell your dentist because, in this case, it is contra-indicated to proceed with any surgical treatment in the mouth, including extractions and dental implants.
Bisphosphonates are drugs that prevent the loss of bone mass in certain medical conditions. Doctors prescribe it in tablets for women in menopause or pre-menopause. Bisphosphonate tablets are also indicated for people with Paget’s disease (misshaped bones).
These drugs can also be injected intravenously during therapy of bone metastases of breast cancer. In this case, some patients may develop in their mouths a condition called osteonecrosis. This condition is described by bone death following a blood circulation problem.
The link between osteonecrosis and bisphosphonates is not yet well understood. It is important then to inform your dentist if you take these drugs especially if intravenously. Your dentist can then check for any signs of osteonecrosis in the mouth and treat if needed. Furthermore, it’s strongly believed that keeping a good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of getting osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Links
The Canadian Cancer Society has published recent statistics concerning this disease. Although these statistics follow studies on the Canadian population, they can also portrait the situation in other countries as well. Here are those statistics:
If you have dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease or infections, can they affect your health in general? Yes they can!
People can lose their teeth for 
If you have cancer and you are undergoing treatments, whether it’s chemotherapy or radiation therapy, your ability to taste changes, and you might find it more difficult to eat the foods that you are used to eating. But despite these uncomfortable difficulties, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet as it is recommended by your physician.
One of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment is xerostomia (dry mouth). It’s an unpleasant sensation caused by a reduced production of saliva in the mouth. This condition can increase the risk of developing tooth decay and can also cause a burning or painful feeling on the tongue and all around the mouth.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are cancer treatments that have side effects which can cause discomfort, problems, or even pain in your mouth. Dentists recommend having a thorough dental exam at least two weeks before cancer treatment begins in order to reduce and manage the undesirable side effects.
Yes it can.
There are currently 246 million people worldwide affected with diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 380 million by the year 2025.
If you have cancer it’s important for you to continue regular and thorough oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing two to three times a day. Remember that when you brush, use a soft or ultra-soft bristle toothbrush, and if the bristles are too hard, rinse the toothbrush in hot water for 15 seconds.