dental problems

linny

I havent posted in a couple of years, I finished chemo and rads for stage II in February 2006.  The last several months I have had extreme dental issues - 5 root canal treatments within a couple of months, extensive decay below crowns, extensive decay under the gum.  Both my dentist and endodontist are of the opinion that it's a result of chemo, which caused permanent changes to the health of my mouth.  Has anyone heard of this or experienced it.

kellyj

Linny,

 Chemo can cause the salivary glands to decrease saliva output, which causes dry mouth and an increase in bacteria.   A low white blood cell count can increase the numbers of bacteria during the chemo process.  Not everyone on chemo will end up with dental issues, however, it depends on your dental health before treatment begins.   Some people naturally have a higher number of the bacteria strep mutans  to begin with. These bacteria are the ones that aid in cavity formation.  Recession of the gums as we age  would explain the cavities below the gums and under crowns.  I hope I have helped you a little, you can pm me if you have any other questions... I hope you dental needs are taken care of.  I know mouth pain is extreme.

Kelly  

Sierra

Yes, definitely

Im several years out

but have had major dental work done

including a plate ..

still paying for it

Dont use Listerine

or alchol and try to keep mouth moist

floss, and rubber tip etc

(but not on Tx)

I salt water rinse all the time now

for several reasons

Hugs, Sierra

LittleRed

I was informed bymy dentist that chemo can cause dental issues due to the dry mouth.

My dentist told me to use a high flouride rinse prior to chemo (in preparation) and then stop when I started chemo, because I needed to avoid alcohol rinses due to dry mouth.  Biotene rinse and moisturizer and a Rx flouride toothpaste were prescribed for my use during chemo. 

I'm so sorry you experienced this SE.  I'm glad my dentist told me - I ended up telling my onc nurse about the Biotene - she'd never heard of it - it was a HUGE help.

Be good to you -

Jean09

My dentist prescribed me a toothpaste called Prevident 5000 Booster.  He said the extra flouride in the toothpaste would protect my teeth during treatment.  Ask your dentist about this toothpaste, maybe he can write you a prescription.  My dentist also suggested I use BreathRX for mouth rinse as it does not contain alcohol. I purchased the rinse at WalMart. 

I am 3 months out from chemo, one month out from radiation and have not had any tooth problems to date.  I saw my dentist for routine cleaning before radiation and he said my teeth were doing fine. 

ravdeb

YES! I had to have two back molars removed after chemo that were fine before chemo. Dentist blames it on the chemo and my insurance paid for it because they also agreed (and they never agree with anything! LOL) that it was chemo related.

sftfemme65

I found this interesting, since for several months I have been having major dental work done.  3 root canals, 6 cavaties....I had my teeth checked before chemo, cleaned, everything was fine.  I did chemo for 11 months.  My teeth have taken a beating.  My dentist gave me a prescription, Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12% oral rinse.  He said its to treat what happened to my mouth from the chemo.  I am also doing flouride treatments.  I hope it helps.  I have spent my max of dental insurance and now 4000 dollars out of pocket. 

Teresa