All patients on the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Inpatient Unit are seen by the Oral Medicine team, which includes a dentist and an oral hygienist. Subsequent visits depend upon whether a patient has developed soreness or inflammation in the mouth.
The mouth normally contains bacteria. However, infections can be a common problem in the mouth and around the gums (gingiva) when infection-fighting cells are reduced by chemotherapy or radiation, which can also directly damage the mouth lining. The Oral Medicine Specialists will work with you to combat and manage this side effect.
