Oral health: A critical but often overlooked aspect of cancer treatments

Good oral hygiene includes thorough brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth. Antibacterial Lumoral treatment offers additional protection for oral health by reducing bacteria and biofilm formation on teeth and along the gumline. This helps prevent mucosal infections and periodontitis, which could otherwise complicate cancer treatments and slow down recovery. Additionally, Lumoral’s antibacterial light-activated therapy is gentle and suitable for patients with weakened immune systems due to cancer treatments.³ (Note: Lumoral is used in European and Asian countries but is not yet available in the US.)

Kasslin only discovered the antibacterial oral health-enhancing method after completing her chemotherapy.

“I discovered the new method only after my chemotherapy ended, but I strongly recommend it to all cancer patients—both during and before treatment. While I’m now experiencing its antibacterial benefits, it would have been incredibly valuable throughout my treatment. When you’re first diagnosed, searching for solutions like this isn’t always top of mind. That’s why I believe doctors and nurses should emphasize the importance of oral care and introduce patients to advanced treatment options right from the start.”

Kasslin believes that society in general should place greater emphasis on preventive health care. Antibacterial treatments play a key role in proactive oral health maintenance, contributing to overall well-being in a meaningful way.

“As a financial investment, I find Lumoral treatment quite reasonable compared to the long-term costs of root canals and dental fillings. Public health care offers treatment, but long waiting times can worsen problems before care is available. That’s why early prevention is the smart choice,” Kasslin states.

“You don’t have to wait until your oral health deteriorates significantly—you can take proactive steps to avoid many unpleasant consequences. Considering the cost of dental visits and oral care, the initial investment in Lumoral is quite modest compared to the benefits it provides,” she adds.

As a mother, Kasslin also emphasizes the importance of oral health for her children.

“Teeth are meant to last a lifetime, so it’s important to take care of them from a young age. For young people, appearance is often important, and healthy, beautiful teeth play a big role in that. However, oral health is not just about esthetics—it also reflects a person’s overall well-being and self-care.”

Hope for those diagnosed with cancer

Although Kasslin’s cancer has been successfully treated, the issue remains important to her. She hopes that health-care professionals will pay more attention to oral health as part of cancer treatment to help patients avoid unnecessary suffering.

“I have shared my experiences with other cancer patients. They often exchange tips with each other, but it is crucial that health-care professionals also provide guidance on oral care before treatment begins,” she says.

Cancer can happen to anyone, and luck plays a role in its development. “The most important thing is to focus on what to do next. I have achieved complete remission, but follow-ups will continue for the next five years.”

Kasslin reminds newly diagnosed patients that while the initial shock is normal, it doesn’t mean disaster.

“Top-tier cancer treatments are available today. In my case, the cancer was aggressive, but the treatments still worked excellently. Especially for HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) positive breast cancer, there are highly effective drug therapies that offer better recovery chances than ever before.”