Burning, dryness or sore patches
Ulcers, a dry or sticky mouth, or a raw area that no product seems to soothe are worth reporting. Causes vary, so they should not be assumed routine. Say whether the area is spreading or making it hard to drink.
General & Family Dentistry
Dental Care During Cancer Treatment in Erin
Mouthwash, gels, special toothpastes: the shelf is full of promises, and your mouth is tender. Get advice on what suits you during cancer treatment, plus an assessment if something needs checking.
Erin, Hillsburgh and the surrounding countrysideAsk which products suit your mouth
Standing in the pharmacy aisle, not sure what to buy.
Your usual mint toothpaste suddenly burns. The mouthwash you have used for years makes your eyes water. So you stand in front of a shelf of rinses, gels and sensitive formulas, wondering which one is meant for a mouth like yours right now. That moment is a good reason to ask, because the answer depends on more than the label.
It depends, first, on your treatment. We will want to hear which therapy you are on, the stage you have reached, your full list of medicines, and anything your oncology team has already recommended or prescribed for your mouth. Those details help us suggest what fits and spot anything that might clash. They also tell us whether a sore area needs a closer look rather than a new product.
Bring the problem, not a shopping list. Tell us what changed, when it started, and how eating, drinking and brushing are going. We will explain what we need to know and where the concern should be seen. Some problems are best handled first by your cancer team or a hospital dental clinic, and if that is the case, we will tell you.
Beyond the product question
Sometimes the right answer is an examination.
If a product cannot fix it, we want to know. Describe how the problem affects meals, sleep, speaking or cleaning, and pass on what your cancer care team has already suggested.
A tooth or denture causing pain
A sore tooth, a broken filling or a denture rubbing the gums usually needs a dental look rather than a gel. Call before coming in so timing and medical details can be considered. Please avoid covering damage with home materials or adjusting the denture yourself.
A routine that has stopped working
Tiredness, nausea, tender gums or limited opening may mean your usual products and steps no longer suit you. Tell us what you can manage. We can help you find a simpler routine, instead of stopping or forcing something that hurts.
Report fever, sudden illness or trouble drinking to your oncology team's urgent line right away. No product or dental booking should delay that call.
Advice that fits your treatment
The right product depends on the whole plan.
Coordinating with your cancer care helps us give advice that matches your situation. A visit may be mainly about assessment and comfort, including what to use at home, or a specific problem may need treatment or a specialist. Cancer alone does not decide which, and even simple recommendations need the medical background.
It also makes it clear who to turn to. If a product stings or symptoms change, should you call us, your oncology nurse or a pharmacist? Having your routine and products written down, with a follow-up agreed, makes it easier to keep track.
Your teams know what you are using
Share your treating teams' names and agree to relevant information being exchanged, including products you use at home. That reduces mixed advice and helps decide whether a symptom calls for a dental review, a medical one, or both.
Comfort at the centre
Being able to brush without burning or eat without stinging are real goals. Those priorities sit with the examination findings when we plan. Ask what can be eased now and what needs more information.
Products reviewed as treatment changes
What suits you in one phase may not suit the next. Your routine and dental plan both deserve another look whenever treatment moves on; neither is a lasting clearance. If your therapy shifts before a booked visit, give us a call.
At your appointment
Bring the bottles. We will go through them.
Bring your medication list, oncology contact details and the toothpastes, rinses or gels you are using. If you are unsure of a treatment name or date, let us know where it can be checked.
Go over symptoms and products
We ask about your mouth, your current treatment, the products you use and why you have come. Mention any head and neck radiation and medicines affecting bone or healing, and anything your oncology team has prescribed for your mouth.
Check medical details
Certain procedures cannot go ahead until the dentist has heard from your medical team or seen recent bloodwork. No date on the calendar is ideal for everybody. Your teams settle infection, bleeding and healing concerns between them first.
Examine the mouth
We look at your teeth, gums, the tissues lining your mouth and any appliance, aiming to find the cause and decide whether tests would help. Tell us if anything is too sore, or if you need a moment.
Agree a routine and next steps
You may leave with product advice, preventive support, treatment arranged, medical review or a referral. Ask what each step is for and when it will be reviewed, and confirm who to call if things get worse.
Home care in Erin
Fewer products, used well.
Work from advice that reflects your therapy and what the examination showed. When pain or bleeding gets in the way, the answer is usually to adjust the routine, not to pile on more products or test an unfamiliar remedy.
A gentle cleaning method
Many tender mouths cope better with soft bristles and an unhurried touch, though your medical status shapes the details. Has your bleeding risk changed? Then check with the treating team before flossing. Two people on the same therapy may still get different advice.
Check before you buy
Ask whether a toothpaste, rinse or moisturizing product is right before adding it, and follow prescription directions. Tell us about stinging. Sharp flavours are no measure of how well something works, and nothing mixed in the kitchen should take over from what your care team advised.
Tell your team when eating gets hard
If pain, sores or swallowing difficulty affect food or fluids, let your oncology team know. Dental advice may be part of the response. Note what changed and which products you were using at the time.
Patient information: National Cancer Institute — mouth and throat symptoms during treatment
Erin questions about products and care(905) 876-4488
What to use, what to skip, and when to ask.
When you contact us, mention new symptoms and any change in your treatment. These answers outline the conversation; your recommendation depends on examination and medical advice.
Should I stop using a mouthwash that contains alcohol?
Ask your care team. Alcohol-based rinses can feel harsh on a tender or dry mouth, and many patient guides suggest avoiding them during treatment. Your team can recommend an alternative that suits you.
Can I keep using whitening toothpaste during chemotherapy?
Check with us first. Some whitening and strongly flavoured pastes may irritate a sensitive mouth. A milder option may be more comfortable for now.
Will I be advised to use a fluoride product?
Some people are, depending on their treatment and their teeth. The dentist will discuss whether it suits you and how to use it. Do not start a prescription-strength product without advice.
My lips are cracked and dry. Is that something to mention?
Yes. Dry or cracked lips can be uncomfortable and may affect eating. Mention it to your oncology team and to us, and ask which lip products suit you before using one.
Is it all right to suck lozenges or chew gum for a dry mouth?
Check with your oncology team before relying on them. If you do use them, sugar-free options are usually suggested to protect your teeth. Tell us if dryness is getting worse.
From Erin, is a phone call enough to get product advice?
A call is often a good start, especially for a general product question. If the problem involves pain, a sore that is not healing or a damaged tooth, an examination may be needed.
Calling from Erin
Ask before you add another bottle.
Call our Bronte Street practice with a quick description of the problem, your current treatment and the products you are using. We will go through what an assessment requires and where your care is best handled. Have your oncology team's urgent number within easy reach.
If fever or sudden illness strikes, call the urgent number from your oncology team. Requests sent through our website are for things that can wait.
Visit Milton Dental ClinicUnit 1, 342 Bronte St. S, Milton, ON L9T 5B7Get directions
Clinic hours
- Monday–Thursday
- 11am–7pm
- Friday–Sunday
- By appointment only
Areas we serve
- Milton
- Oakville
- Mississauga
- Georgetown
- Halton Hills
- Acton
- Campbellville
- Brampton
- Burlington
- Puslinch
- Rockwood
- Erin
- Caledon
- Etobicoke
- Old Milton
- Bronte Meadows
- Timberlea
- Dorset Park
- Dempsey
- Clarke
- Beaty
- Coates
- Harrison
- Scott
- Willmott
- Ford
- Bowes
- Cobden
- Walker
- Mountain View
- Milton Heights
- Hawthorne Village
- Valley View
- Fallingbrook
- Nassagaweya
- Trafalgar
- Esquesing
- Nelson
- Brookville
- Moffat
- Glen Williams
- Norval
- Limehouse
- Stewarttown
- Ashgrove
- Hornby
- Silver Creek
- Speyside
- Scotch Block
- North Oakville
- River Oaks
- Glen Abbey
- West Oak Trails
- Palermo
- Bronte Creek
- College Park
- Joshua Creek
- Uptown Core
- Preserve
- Iroquois Ridge
- Lisgar
- Meadowvale
- Meadowvale Village
- Churchill Meadows
- Erin Mills
- Central Erin Mills
- Streetsville
- East Credit
- Creditview
- Heartland
- Sheridan
- Mount Pleasant
- Credit Valley
- Huttonville
- Churchville
- Springbrook
- Northwest Brampton
- Bram West
- Fletcher's Meadow
- Fletcher's Creek South
- Alton Village
- Orchard
- Millcroft
- Headon Forest
- Tansley
- Brant Hills
- Tyandaga
- Kilbride
- Lowville
- Aberfoyle
- Morriston
- Arkell
- Hillsburgh
- Freelton
- Carlisle
- Waterdown
- Flamborough
- Mountsberg
