Oral
prehabilitation
for cancer patients
Prehabilitation involves anticipating
needed care for oral issues
surrounding cancer
B Y KRIS POTTS, RDH, FAADH
those around the world.
The dental provider team is in a unique position to make a difference
for those affected. Whether the patient is a warrior, a survivor, a friend, or
family member of someone who is, you can be a part of a collaborative care
team having a positive impact for this ever growing community.
Prehabilitation is comprehensive, anticipatory care for oral issues
surrounding cancer before debilitating side effects of the disease or treatment develop. 1, 2
We don’t always know that a patient is facing this journey until they
are in the midst of it. But when we do, prevention is preferred rather than
an oral overhaul once all is said
and done. Let your patients know
how important prehabilitation
can be. Mentioning the concept
to them as you are performing
their oral abnormality screening
will let them know your office is
“on top of it.”
Patient education and com-
munication are critical to success.
If individuals know what to expect—and has materials on hand
to deal with issues that may arise
or prevent their occurrence altogether— their quality of life can
be greatly improved. Understanding these things can help their
trek down this road be less frightening.
Developing an anticipatory treatment plan is essential. If custom delivery
trays will be needed, why not have them fabricated now, rather than in
the midst of issues? Infection in the mouth can be counterproductive
to treatment they may receive. Frequent recare visits reduce the
likelihood of oral infection from normal or abnormal flora,
help minimize trauma-induced mucosal tissue injury,
and promotes comfort. Nutritional counseling
should also be offered.
HELPFUL PRODUCTS
We’ve all seen the obvious effects
of cancer treatment—dry mouth,
increased decay, and mucositis, so
“It’s cancer.” It is difficult to think of another phrase that strikes dread so
universally in the soul. Almost everyone has been affected by cancer in
some way, at some point in their lives. What about the patients in your
office? Have they also been impacted in some way by the path of this
disease? Our first thought in dentistry goes to oral cancer. But what about
the other cancers that occur in the human body? Breast, skin, lung, kidney,
colon, and blood disorders are just a few of the many cancers affecting
There is not one
single product on
the market today
that can solve all
the oral issues a
cancer patient
faces, but there
are many that
can be carried in
your repository to
benefit the patient.
