Newsletter: Oral Health

Here is the latest edition of The Transplant Experience, an educational division of Astellas Phamaceuticals that teaches pre and post transplant patients about the confusing process that awaits anyone needing an organ transplant.


Oral Health Before Your Transplant

"A key component of long-term transplant success is taking care of your whole body—this includes making oral health a priority as you set out on your transplant journey.

What does dental hygiene have to do with my transplant?

When you receive your transplant, you will need to protect it by taking immunosuppressants. These medications work to prevent rejection of your new organ by suppressing the body's immune response, which unfortunately increases your risk of infection—including oral infection. An infection that starts in the mouth can eventually end up in the bloodstream, where it could begin to endanger your transplant.¹ Since your oral health is built from years of maintenance and care, it is never too early to start minimizing this risk of oral infection—even as you await transplant.

What steps do I need to take before transplant?

Because of the increased risk for infection you will face post-transplant, take care of as many dental issues as possible before transplantation; in particular, tend to bleeding gums or cavities, which may lead to an infection down the road.² As part of your pre-transplant evaluations, you will be required to complete an oral health examination in the months before transplantation.

What steps do I need to prepare for after transplant? Post-transplant, it is important to keep all healthcare professionals up-to-date on any medical care you receive, including dental care. Be sure to inform your transplant team of any procedure that may aggravate your gums—such as a tooth pulling or a dental cleaning—as you may need to take antibiotics to guard against possible infection. You may need to coordinate with both your dentist and transplant team to ensure none of the medications that you're currently taking will interfere with the antibiotics you may need for the procedure. In fact, you should inform all healthcare professionals that you are a transplant recipient. They may have additional advice or tips you can include in your daily oral-health routine. What can I do to promote good oral health? The importance of initiating good oral hygiene habits early cannot be overemphasized. The following steps are recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) • Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste • Floss once daily • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months • Visit your dentist regularly After you receive your transplant, get in the habit of checking your mouth and gums daily for white or red patches, dryness, lumps, bleeding gums, sores, or ulcers. If you notice any such issues, contact your dentist immediately, so these can be investigated and addressed early. What role does my diet before transplant have on my oral health after transplant? You probably already know that it's best to stay away from “sticky” foods—like candies, dried fruits, and chewing gum—which are associated with tooth decay, and that simple carbohydrates—often found in cookies, pasta, and white breads—can generate acid-releasing plaque known to wear away at the enamel. But a balanced diet can play a significant role in strengthening your oral health, too: • Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamin C and folic acid, important for maintaining healthy gums; they are also high in fiber, which can help prevent the buildup of plaque in your mouth • Fish, poultry, lean meats, and beans are high in protein, which is vital for tissue growth and repair, such as healing wounds in your mouth • Whole grain bread, cereal, and rice are good sources of iron and vitamin B, which are vital for blood and oral circulation • Water throughout the day can help prevent plaque growth Turning your commitment to good oral health into daily practice is just one important way you can make the larger commitment to your transplant health—for a long and successful journey ahead.

Learn more about post-transplant oral health by visiting the “Your Oral Health” page under the Healthy Body section of www.TransplantExperience.com! You can subscribe to this newsletter by visiting www.transplantexperience.com. I have found this information to be invaluable; and you will, too!