Dental infections post BC Treatment - is this a thing?

MickeyB17

Hello all - I have experienced 4 dental infections beginning 8 months after finishing radiation treatment until now 1 year + out. I did not have chemo, just radiation and am on anastrozole. This has impacted my functioning and quality of life. I'm wondering if this is a strange coincidence, some underlying systemic issue or a treatment side effect. Has anyone else had any similar experiences? What complicates this is worsening osteopenia and a huge reluctance to start any biophosphates until the dental situation is stabilized. I have kept up with all dental appts throughout the years - this is not a case dental neglect. Any input would be gratefully appreciated.

ksusan

Others with more info will be along to reply, but my understanding is that AIs dry your mouth, which can leads to more dental issues. It may be that there's a lubricating mouthwash that would help, but I'm not sure.

gb2115

I have had dry mouth and gum irritation since treatment. I use biotene gel and just try to brush well. So far it's manageable. My dentist said he's seen it before with tamoxifen. I wonder if radiation also did something... I ended up with dry eye issues right near the end of radiation also.

Meow13

You know now that you mention it, I have never had a dental infection until recently. One terrible one in August been off AI meds 2 years. I am ok now.

JoE777

AIs are notorious for dry mouth, eyes, nasal passages,vagina. My eyes were so dry my first time around with femara, my eye lids would stick to my eyeballs during the night and I had to use systain gel at night for relief. If it has moisture it can dry out. Yuk!!!