Bleeding gums anyone?

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GointoCarolina
GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
edited May 2016 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
Bleeding gums anyone?
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  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
    edited November 2009

    Had my last herceptin October 1 2009.I had bleeding gums off and on all during chemo(TCH) and when just on herceptin it was worse right after a treatment.I have had very minor bleeding when I floss, but today I used a regular toothbrush,(I normally use an electric) and I was spitting out bright red blood..I looked at my gums, they look normal around the teeth, but at the base they are dark. I am past due to see the dentist and will schedule a visit ASAP,but wondered if others had experienced this and had any advice or anything the dentist shoudl know.Thanks! Jackie

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  • seaofhope
    seaofhope Member Posts: 66
    edited November 2009

    It's so funny you should mention this as it just happened to me today.  I had been using an electric toothbrush then switched to a regular brush today - all the gums around my teeth are bleeding.  I was spitting bright red both times I brushed today.  Maybe our gums are sensitive and the manual brushing is too hard on our gums.

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited November 2009

    I had minor bleeding while on herceptin.  It could be your toothpaste, from a purely NON medical point of view.   I use  a very soft child's brush and sensitive type toothpaste (whichever brand is on sale).   Any baking soda toothpaste is hard on teeth (and  I assume gums) according to my dentist.  I found that a Water Pik is much better than flossing.   

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  • PS73
    PS73 Member Posts: 469
    edited November 2009

    yep.  didn't start until the herceptin/taxol.  it's better now though.

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  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 666
    edited November 2009

    Hi ladies ~

    I thought I would comment on your posts.  I am a Registered Dental Hygienist.  I will say please do not stop flossing and do not replace flossing with a waterpik!!!  These two are two different things.  Another important note is...you need to floss below the gumline...not just between the contacts.  Continue to brush thoroughly...with a soft brush.  All brushes are not the same even though it may say soft.  Using an electric brush is useful.  I highly recommend the Sonicare by Phillips.  Make sure that you are brushing at a 45 degree angle (referred to as BASS method) to get along the gumline.  Even if you have some bleeding, do not hold back on your brushing & flossing.  The healtier you keep your gums, the better for your overall health.  Bacteria travels through your circulatory system.  If your gums remain red & especially puffy, have your dentist Rx Periogard or Peridex (Chlorhexadine Rinse).  Also, if you have chemo/rads as treatment, make sure you are brushing or rinsing with a fluoride product from your dentist~~~not OTC pastes/rinses.  When you have chemo/rads it reduces your salivary flow thus you may experience dry mouth syndrome.  Having dry mouth causes everything to stick such as plaque/food debris.  When this occurs this sets up for rampant decay as it weakens the enamel.  I put my patients on Prevident or Gel Kam products all of which can only be Rx'd by your dentist.  If you are experiencing dry mouth, OTC products such as Biotene can help by moisturizing your mouth.  This item can be found retail.

    I hope this FYI helps!!!

    NAE

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  • deandrade
    deandrade Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2016

    Never had nose bleeds but had bleeding gums with 1st and has just started with 2nd, so have made an appointment to see Las Vagus Gum Disease doctor just to be on safe side, but it's perfectly normal.

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  • Sunny_Girl
    Sunny_Girl Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2016

    Thanks for you post and helpful comments Nedeza!

    Going to grab my sonicare right now!

    Patty

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