Does radiation therapy cause dental problems?

Yes: Radiation therapy for head and neck cancers often decreases salivary function. Saliva is protective of teeth. Use of floride trays, good dental care and newer ways of giving radiation (imrt) can help decrease risk of dental problems.

Yes: Only radiation given directly through and to the teeth can cause this damage. Or radiation to salivary glands that dry the mouth cause teeth to decay as well. Otherwise radiation not in these area does not cause teeth problems.

Yes: Radiation therapy can cause reduction of saliva that can cause increased decay as saliva buffers the bacterial acids. Fluoride treatments at home are very helpful in preventing this type of decay.

It can: based on what is being radiated the treatment can actually burn the roots resulting in their eventual loss

Definitely, yes: The radiation can cause: dry mouth, cavities, loss of or change in sense of taste, painful mouth and gums. It is recommended to see your dentist soon after you are done with treatment. Take care.

Absolutely, if: If the radiation is directed at the oral cavity area and no shield is in place, then many things can happen. Osteoradionecrosis with certain dental procedures, dry mouth from the effects on the salivary glands, severe decay at the base of the teeth from the dry mouth are all possibilities. Important to know how much, over how long a period, total amount , and specific areas irradiated. Good Luck.