Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Treatment Options for Dry Mouth and Mouth Sores from Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy


Oral complications are very common for cancer patients. They can result from chemotherapy medications and / or radiation to the head and neck area. Some common oral complications that can occur are dry mouth and mouth sores.

Dry mouth is not just an uncomfortable side effect; it is also a precursor to what can become further oral complications. Your mouth’s protection comes from three pairs of salivary glands. Cancer treatments can cause salivary gland dysfunction which increases the risk of oral infections and can compromise mouth function and comfort. Persistent dry mouth can also increase decay, and cause bad breath and gum disease.

Biotene Products can help counter some of the effects that chemotherapy and radiation have on the mouth and gums. Click here to view and order Biotene Products.

Oral Hygiene Protocol for cancer patients

1. Cut your food up into small pieces. Take small bites of your food and chew it slowly.
2. Drink plenty of liquids with meals.
3. Avoid sharp or crunchy foods that could scrape or cut your mouth or gums.
4. Gently brush teeth, gums and tongue with an extra soft toothbrush.
5. Use oral care products that are specifically developed for cancer patients and people taking other medications that can affect the mouth.
6. Sip water frequently and suck on ice chips.
7. Stay away from hard sugar candy and carbonated soda.

Product suggestions for cancer mouth sores and cancer dry mouth.

Use a toothpaste that is specifically developed for cancer patients. Biotene toothpaste contains enzymes that boost and replenish your oral defense system. Biotene does not contain Sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a detergent found in many other toothpastes which is known to promote canker sores and mouth ulcers in sensitive mouths.

Biotene sugar-free gum can help to stimulate salivary flow and protect between brushing.

Oral balance gel and Oral Balance Liquid can provide instant relief to serious dry mouth sufferers. Oral Balance products are a saliva substitute. Used before bed, they can provide up to 8 hours of overnight relief. Apply Oral Balance directly onto the tongue and around the mouth.

You can purchase all of the Biotene and Oral Balance products from our website at http://www.lotstolivefor.com/

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Salmonella Bacteria May Help Trigger Immune Response to Cancer Cells

Scientists have discovered that treating tumors with salmonella bacteria can induce an immune response that kills cancer cells, scientists have found -- a discovery that may help them create tumor-killing immune cells to inject into patients.

Researchers from Italy and the United States who worked with mouse and human cancer cells in laboratories said their work might help in developing a new drug in a class of cancer treatments called immunotherapies or therapeutic vaccines, which harness the body's immune system to fight disease.

To read the full article from abc news that this short abstract was excerpted from click here.

The full study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine on Wednesday 8/11/10.