About Us

Smiles for Survivors™ is a non-profit foundation whose mission is to support breast cancer patients and survivors.

Oral complications of chemotherapy:

Forty percent of breast cancer patients suffer from oral side effects during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The mouth is made of cells that normally renew themselves at a rapid pace, which makes them susceptible to damage by chemotherapy. Some potential oral side effects of chemotherapy include:

• inflammation of the membranes of the mouth
• gum infections
• dry mouth
• change in sense of taste
• oral pain
• oral sores
• tooth decay (cavities)
• gum disease

Why is it important to maintain good oral health during cancer treatments?

If untreated, significant oral problems may lead to slowing down or discontinuing cancer treatments. In addition, other debilitating conditions may develop as a result, such as:

• dehydration
• malnutrition
• weight loss
• loss of taste

What is the mission of the Smiles for Survivors™ foundation?

• to connect cancer patients with dentists and other specialists in order to provide preventative and restorative dental treatment
• to educate cancer patients about potential oral side effects of chemotherapy and radiation
• to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and maintaining good oral health before, during, and after cancer treatments

If you have any questions about the foundation, it’s mission, or would like some more information, please email Dr. Olya Banchik at info@smilesforsurvivors.org, or call 702.341.9597.