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Dental Services

The Dental Clinic providers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are specially trained to deal with issues patients may have as they undergo treatment for cancer, bleeding disorders, sickle cell disease, and other serious illnesses.

Many St. Jude patients visit the Dental Clinic during therapy. Dental problems can cause serious complications while in treatment. The dentists and other health care providers create a child-friendly experience to put your child at ease and make their visits enjoyable.

Why dental care is crucial for your child

Specialty dental care is needed for these reasons:

To minimize infections

A simple cavity could become a serious infection in a child undergoing therapy. Cancer and its treatment can suppress a patient’s ability to fight infection. The same is true for some other conditions treated at St. Jude. If an infection is not treated, it could spread and become life-threatening.
To combat salivary issues

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may impact the salivary glands. This can give your child a constant dry mouth. Saliva helps wash away bacteria. Without it, your child is more likely to have tooth decay and infection. Dental Clinic team members educate you and your child about how to keep the mouth and teeth clean.
To monitor tooth development

Chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell (bone marrow) transplants can affect how teeth grow. Teeth may be smaller than normal, have shorter roots, or fail to develop. The younger your child is, the more likely they are to have these kinds of problems.
To prevent or treat mucositis

Poor dental health may increase the chances of having mouth and throat sores, called mucositis. Mucositis is a common side effect of chemotherapy. It causes pain that can affect your child’s desire or ability to eat. The Dental Clinic care team works with light therapy providers to help your child avoid or deal with mouth and throat sores.
To lower risk of tooth decay

Patients on therapy have a higher risk of tooth decay. Keeping the mouth clean helps reduce bacteria that lead to tooth decay. The Dental Clinic care team will help teach you and your child about how and when to brush and about what kind of toothbrush and toothpaste to use. They also provide special toothpastes, mouthwashes, and artificial saliva to prevent or treat infection.

Services we provide

The Dental Clinic provides the following services:

Treatment

Screenings and exams for new patients who are having chemotherapy, radiation, or transplant
Routine cleanings for patients on therapy
Dental fillings, crowns, and extractions for patients on therapy and for patients referred to the Dental Clinic by their primary team. Some patients may need extensive dental work. This kind of work may require general anesthesia.
Dental exams for patients before they undergo transplant. During transplant a patient’s ability to fight infection decreases. A child who has a cavity can develop an infection. This can seriously complicate transplant.
Dental exams for patients having head and neck radiation. Radiation to the head affects how well the salivary glands work. Saliva washes away bacteria in the mouth. If the mouth does not make enough saliva, it can lead to tooth decay and infection.
Emergency care for all oral problems

Clinical research

Clinical research on current and long-term oral problems, including late effects of therapy

Outreach

St. Jude staff and community education
Consults with community dentists

Your Dental Clinic team

The Dental Clinic has a team of highly trained dentists and dental technicians. The team includes board-certified pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, and general dentistry experts. They have extensive experience in managing the dental issues of seriously ill children.

Learn more

The Dental Clinic is on the first floor of the Patient Care Center at the south end. To reach the clinic, call 901-595-3622.

Dental Services

Why dental care is crucial for your child

To minimize infections

To combat salivary issues

To monitor tooth development

To prevent or treat mucositis

To lower risk of tooth decay

Services we provide

Treatment

Clinical research

Outreach

Your Dental Clinic team

Learn more

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