Tooth Problems!

OneTexasDay

In 2013, I had stage 1 cancer and opted for a dbl mastectomy so my chemo regimen was easier than a lot of BC patients. I had my last of six rounds of chemo in spring 2014 and my last Herceptin infusion in November 2014. I did not have to do radiation.

I have never had a cavity and the dentist have always ranted about my "beautiful" set of chompers. That was... until last week. Now I have a mouth full of cavities and infection and chipped teeth, etc...

I asked "could this be from the chemo?" and they said "it is possible; we have seen that before".

I am wondering if anyone else has had to deal with similar issues.

keepthefaith

OTD, I have heard the same thing. I do NOT have a beautiful set of choppers:). I have dealt with dental issues for a very long time. I got my teeth cleaned and checked prior to chemo. Had one small cavity filled. Since then, in spite of getting the fluoride treatment during chemo, I have had two teeth pulled last month bc of decay; one was a crown and the other had a gold filling already;....and 3 more cavities. Unfortunately, I feel like my dentist seems to "blame" me.... I hope that was helpful.

cliff

I lost a crown and tow teeth started crumbling when I went on tamoxifan, the exgiva shot once a month is supposed to stop bone calcium loss. it is the same thing they give people for osteoporosis once a year. no more tooth problems since, been on it for about 10 months.

ShetlandPony

Dry mouth caused by drugs can contribute to tooth and gum problems. My oncology nurse recommends a moisturizing mouth rinse like Biotene. (Even if your mouth does not feel dry.)

KayaRose

I had a tooth that became infected. Unfortunately, it was under part of a bridge. The tooth had to be pulled and the bridge replaced because the old bridge was too old to reuse. Very expensive. I also had trouble with my eyes. I ended up having cataract surgery in both eyes. Prior to chemo - no cataracts. After chemo - cataracts so bad they had to be removed. I had both my teeth and eyes checked about a month or so before being diagnosed and starting chemo.

MinusTwo

Dry Mouth from chemo definitely effected my teeth AND my gums. And Shetland Pony is right - you might not feel the dry mouth.