My Mouth Is Burning! What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a complex condition characterized by a burning, painful or tingling sensation in the mouth in the absence of disease which is often accompanied by a sensation of dry mouth (also known as xerostomia). It commonly affects the tongue, and individuals with burning mouth syndrome may complain that their mouths feel scalded or that their sense of taste is altered (dysguesia). It may also involve the palate, lips and gums (gingiva). Burning mouth synd
Could A LASER stop the pain? Low-Level Laser Therapy for Oral Mucositis
Mucositis, an acute but unpleasant oral sequelae of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the head and neck, is extremely common. There are several proposed treatment modalities for mucositis, but most of the treatments deal with palliative care of the sores. What about treatments to help potentially prevent mucositis? For several years, in Europe and South America, low level LASER therapy (LLLT) has been administered to prophylactically prevent mucositis. How does it work? I
The 411 on Mucositis
What is it? Mucositis is inflammation of the mucosa which is lines the gastrointestinal tract. Characterized by mouth sores, intraoral mucosal redness, tissue sloughing, and a burning sensation, mucositis is an acute side effect associated with radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplants. It may affect any tissues in the oral cavity but is more commonly seen on movable mucosa such as the buccal mucosa (cheeks), lips, tongue and soft palate. Not just limited t
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: How much do you know about going gold?
There has been a lot of media press lately about the empire state building refusing to go gold for childhood cancer, but how much do you actually know about childhood cancer? Did you know that approximately 15,780 children each year in the United States are diagnosed with cancer? Or that the general category for childhood cancers encompasses 12 types of cancers? The most common childhood cancers include lymphoma, leukemia, brain and other central nervous system tumors, neurob
Targeted Therapy...what's the hype? Biochemistry 101
Biochemistry 101? That sounds complicated and boring. I know, but this isn't. Targeted cancer therapy is actually extremely interesting and becoming increasingly popular for treating certain types of cancer. You may remember the TIME magazine cover story in 2001 about gleevec as a targeted cancer therapy to treat chronic myeloid leukemia. The development of gleevec represented a major breakthrough in the treatment of leukemia. What is Targeted Therapy? In essence, targeted th
Magic Mouthwash: what's that?
Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment may experience painful mouth sores (oral mucositis) or ulcers that interfere with eating, speaking, and even swallowing. For some, relief can be found through Magic Mouthwash, the name given to a mouthwash available by prescription. Magic Mouthwash, also referred to as Miracle Mouthwash, is not prepared like traditional mouthwashes. Although available through a prescription, there is not one uniform rinse available at
The Oral and Dental Conditions Associated with Stem Cell Transplants: A Closer Look
Indubitably, hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) are lifesaving and have transformed the field of medicine. Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) may involve either the transfer of stem cells from one individual to another, known as an allogeneic HSCT or the return of the harvested cells to the same person known as an autologous HSCT. Nonetheless, these treatments are linked to orofacial conditions mainly due to the immunosuppressive nature of the pre-transplant t
Radiation Mouth Guards: What's the purpose?
Before undergoing radiotherapy, your dentist may recommend that you wear radiation mouth guards during your treatment. When radiation hits metal in a person’s mouth, the radiation scatters and may be associated with an increased risk for developing mouth sores. Thus, it is often recommended that patients wear custom radiation mouth guards when undergoing radiation if the metal in their mouth will be in the field of the radiation. The mouth guards do not eliminate the risk of
What are some of the side effects of head and neck radiation?
Xerostomia/Hyposalivation Xerostomia is the medical term for the sensation of dry mouth. Hyposalivation signifies a reduction in salivary flow and is an objective, measurable entity. Radiation therapy affecting the head and neck where the salivary glands are in field of radiation is associated with salivary gland atrophy. Radiation doses of 25 Gy or greater are associated with hyposalivation, reduced salivary flow and function. In addition to reduced flow, the saliva produced