From the #deltadentalARFoundation: A cancer diagnosis can hit like a load of bricks. And there’s potentially more bad news: Before any cancer treatment can begin, patients must take care of all pre-existing tooth and gum issues first.

That’s a tall order for anyone. For individuals without adequate access to dental care, the order is almost impossible.  

The Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House in Fort Smith can help. For more than 40 years, it has provided free, non-medical support programs and services to low-income cancer patients in western Arkansas. They include bus passes and gas cards, wigs and head coverings, referrals to food assistance, cash assistance and patient navigation. 

Thanks to a #communitygrant from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation, the Reynolds House also helps pay for dental care provided by area dentists to patients before, during and after their cancer treatments. 

What is the connection between oral health and cancer treatments? 

Radiation and chemotherapy can weaken the body’s immune system and aggravate dental issues like cavities, broken teeth, loose fillings or crowns. When white blood cell counts are low, bacteria from mouth sores can spread through the entire body and lead to infections. Cancer drugs tend to cause severe dry mouth, irritation or bleeding that increase the risk of dental and gum disease. 

Those are plenty of reasons why taking care of teeth and gums is crucial for cancer patients. 

Dental treatments can make a life-changing difference, as Angie Clegg, director of operations at the Reynolds Cancer Support House, confirms: “In July, we registered a 59-year-old male who had recently been diagnosed with lymphoma. Before beginning his cancer treatment, he needed extensive dental work completed. These dental issues were also causing him to have difficulty eating. Using grant funds from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation, we were able to help with this dental work. He has begun his cancer treatment and is eating much more comfortably.”

What an inspiring story. What inspiring stories does your organization tell? Can our Foundation help create more inspiring stories? Check out our funding opportunities here here, or give us a call to discuss your ideas for systemic change. 

 

This story was first published on our Facebook and Instagram pages.