Dental Care Before, During & After Cancer Treatment

A cancer diagnosis brings a lot of moving parts — and dental care is often one of the first things people postpone. We understand why. But in many cases, staying on top of your oral health (or completing a few key dental steps before treatment begins) can help reduce the risk of dental pain, infection, and urgent problems during treatment.

This article explains:

• why dental care matters before and during cancer treatment

• what types of dental treatment are often suitable (and what is usually postponed)

• how timing works for chemotherapy and dental procedures

• what to do if you develop tooth pain or an infection during treatment

• how certain medications can change dental planning

Important: This is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personalised medical advice. Your oncology/haematology team’s guidance comes first, and your dentist may liaise with them when planning care.

Why dental care matters during cancer treatment

Cancer treatment can affect the mouth and immune system in ways that increase the chance of dental problems becoming urgent. Depending on the type of treatment, people may experience:

• mouth ulcers and soreness (mucositis)

• dry mouth and a higher risk of tooth decay

• gum inflammation and bleeding

• increased infection risk (particularly when white blood cell counts are low)

• increased bleeding risk (particularly when platelet counts are low)

• slower or more complicated healing after dental surgery

The goal of dental care in this context is straightforward: reduce the risk of infection and complications, keep you comfortable, and avoid preventable emergencies.

Before treatment: should you see a dentist?

If you can, yes — especially before chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or major cancer surgery

A pre-treatment dental appointment is often recommended because it gives time to:

• identify and address active infection

• stabilise teeth that are likely to flare up during treatment

• plan care around your medical schedule

• put a prevention plan in place (particularly for dry mouth and decay risk)

How far in advance should you see a dentist?

If timing allows, a few weeks before treatment is ideal, especially if extractions or other procedures requiring healing are needed. Sometimes treatment starts quickly — in that case, dental care focuses on priority issues rather than “everything at once.”

What your dentist will usually prioritise before treatment

This commonly includes:

• treating active infection or severe tooth pain

• stabilising cavities and broken teeth

• addressing gum infection or inflammation

• smoothing sharp edges that can irritate the mouth

• providing preventative advice (fluoride, dry mouth support, hygiene adjustments)

“I’ve just been diagnosed — should I cancel my appointment?”

Often, no — it may simply need to be adjusted.

Even if you’re starting treatment soon, your appointment can still be useful for:

• checking for infection or dental problems that could worsen

• taking baseline photos/x-rays if needed

• creating a simple prevention plan to reduce decay and soreness

• coordinating timing with your treating team where appropriate

If you’re unsure, the best approach is to tell us what treatment you’re starting and when, and we can advise whether to proceed as planned, modify the visit, or reschedule strategically.

Can you go to the dentist while on chemotherapy?

In many cases, yes — but it depends on:

• the type of chemotherapy and where you are in the cycle

• your current blood results (especially infection and bleeding risk)

• whether the dental treatment is routine, urgent, or invasive

What to tell your dentist

It helps to share:

• your cancer treatment type (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy)

• your treatment dates (or approximate schedule)

• your medication list (including bone-strengthening medications)

• any recent blood test results if available

• any history of infections, fevers, or hospital admissions during treatment

Your dentist may recommend liaising with your treating team before invasive care — this is normal and is done for safety.

What dental treatment is usually appropriate during treatment?

Every situation is individual, but the general approach is:

Often suitable (when you’re medically stable)

• dental examination

• simple fillings or repairs

• smoothing sharp edges

• denture adjustments

• gentle cleaning (where appropriate)

• urgent care focused on stabilising pain and infection risk

Sometimes suitable (case-by-case)

• root canal treatment (often preferred over extraction when feasible)

• gum treatment, depending on comfort and bleeding risk

• minor procedures if timing and blood results are suitable

Usually postponed unless urgent

• elective cosmetic dentistry

• extensive treatment plans that can safely wait

• implants

• extractions and other surgery (unless necessary)

Can you have a dental cleaning during chemotherapy?

Sometimes — and when it’s appropriate, it can be beneficial. The key is that it should be gentle, comfortable, and medically appropriate. If you have mouth soreness, ulcers, or a tendency to bleed easily, your dentist or hygienist may modify what they do and focus on comfort and prevention.

Can you have dental work done while on chemo?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. The answer is: sometimes, and it depends on the type of dental work.

• Non-invasive care can often be done with minimal risk.

• Invasive care (particularly extractions) requires more planning because infection risk, bleeding risk, and healing capacity can be affected.

If dental work is needed during treatment, the safest plan is usually one that:

• keeps procedures as conservative as possible where clinically appropriate

• times treatment around periods of lower risk

• coordinates with your treating team if needed

Can you get a tooth pulled while on chemotherapy?

Sometimes it’s necessary, but dentists generally try to avoid extractions during chemotherapy unless the tooth can’t be stabilised.

If an extraction is required, planning usually considers:

• infection risk and healing capacity

• bleeding risk

• timing within the treatment cycle

• whether alternative options (such as root canal treatment) could control the problem without surgery

If you develop facial swelling, fever, or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical advice.

Toothache or infection during chemotherapy: what to do

If you develop tooth pain or signs of infection during treatment, don’t wait and hope it settles.

Seek advice promptly if you notice:

• increasing toothache

• swelling of the gum, face, or jaw

• a “pimple” on the gum, pus, or a bad taste

• fever, chills, or feeling unusually unwell

The priority is to control infection and keep you safe, which may involve dental treatment, coordination with your medical team, or referral depending on your overall health status.

How soon after chemotherapy can you have dental work?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline. Recovery varies depending on:

• the chemotherapy regimen and duration

• your immune recovery

• ongoing medications that affect healing or infection risk

A practical way to think about it:

• simple dentistry may be possible earlier

• invasive procedures generally wait until your treating team is confident your body is ready for healing and infection control

If you’re planning significant dental work after chemo, it can help to book a consultation early so you can map out a safe sequence and timing.

Does chemotherapy affect teeth?

Chemotherapy doesn’t usually “damage teeth” directly, but it can increase risk factors that lead to dental problems, including:

• dry mouth → higher decay risk

• mouth soreness → brushing becomes difficult

• changes in appetite/diet → more frequent snacking

• changes in oral bacteria and immune response

Radiotherapy to the head/neck can have more direct long-term effects on saliva and decay risk, and it can influence how dentists approach extractions and oral surgery.

Medication considerations: bisphosphonates/denosumab and dental surgery

Some patients take medications that affect bone turnover, such as bisphosphonates or denosumab (used in some cancer care and in osteoporosis). These medications can increase the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), particularly after extractions or other invasive jaw procedures.

This does not mean you can’t have dental treatment — it means planning matters:

• prevention is a priority

• treatment may be more conservative where appropriate

• surgical decisions may require additional coordination and discussion

If you are on these medications, tell your dentist as early as possible.

Practical mouth care tips during treatment

Small changes can make a big difference.

For dry mouth

• sip water regularly

• use saliva gels/sprays if needed

• avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes

• ask your dentist about high-fluoride toothpaste if you’re at higher risk of decay

For a sore mouth or ulcers

• use a soft toothbrush and gentle technique

• avoid spicy/acidic foods if they sting

• ask your treating team about suitable mouth rinses if pain is significant

For decay prevention

• brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

• clean between teeth daily if comfortable

• try to reduce frequent sugary snacks/drinks (especially if dry mouth is an issue)

Brisbane CBD appointments

If you’re undergoing cancer treatment and you’re based in Brisbane, we can help you plan dental care around your medical schedule.

At Dentistry on George (Brisbane CBD) we can:

• assess and stabilise dental issues before treatment where time allows

• help manage dental pain or infection during treatment (with appropriate coordination)

• support prevention strategies for dry mouth, ulcers and decay risk

If you’re in active treatment, let us know:

• your treatment dates (or next cycle date), and

• any relevant medications (especially bisphosphonates/denosumab)

This helps us schedule appropriately.

You can book online for your dental assessment or treatment. For new patients to our practice, please check our new patients page

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FAQs

Can you go to the dentist while on chemo?
Often yes, but timing and medical stability matter. Non-invasive care is generally easier to schedule than surgery.

Can you have dental work done while on chemo?
Sometimes. Your dentist will weigh the urgency of treatment against infection/bleeding risk and healing capacity.

Can you have a dental cleaning during chemotherapy?
Sometimes. A gentle clean may be appropriate depending on comfort and bleeding risk.

How soon after chemo can you have dental work?
It depends on recovery and your medical plan. Invasive work often waits until your team confirms you’re ready to heal safely.

Can a dentist tell if you have cancer?
Dentists may notice unusual changes and refer you for assessment, but diagnosis requires appropriate medical investigation.