Teeth problems after radiation

Options
Joanne_53
Joanne_53 Member Posts: 1,477
edited January 2018 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
Teeth problems after radiation
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Joanne_53
    Joanne_53 Member Posts: 1,477
    edited June 2015

    I am wondering if anyone is experiencing any problems with their teeth since radiation. I have had a lot of problems since finishing including broken teeth and crowns. The latest is .. My front tooth so now going to have an implant.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • movingsoccermom
    movingsoccermom Member Posts: 225
    edited June 2015

    Had a crown break off the day before starting radiation. Dentist said she does see problems with folks during and after radiation, and gave me a special toothpaste. You are not alone.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Holeinone
    Holeinone Member Posts: 2,478
    edited June 2015

    Joanne, my bottom teeth started shifting just after radiation.

    Hard to know how much to blame on chemo & radiation, and how much is the aging thing....


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited June 2015

    What is the special toothpaste? I had a tooth crack and now it's very sensitive. They are considering a root canal but my ins won't cover it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bride
    bride Member Posts: 382
    edited June 2015

    I didn't have great teeth to start with -- no fluoride in the water where I lived when very young. But rads did a number on my teeth. 18 teeth were damaged! And an infected jaw. I know it was the result of either chemo or rads because I was seeing my dentist every three months and everything exploded over a two month span.

    BC is a sneaky little beast.

    bride

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jessozzie
    jessozzie Member Posts: 117
    edited June 2015

    Hi all,

    I hope we are all doing well!

    Jess

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pamela79
    Pamela79 Member Posts: 13
    edited June 2015

    Radiation therapy and chemotherapy, although helpful, increase the risk of sensory disorders that can affect the taste, smell, vision and hearing. These damages may be related to the toxicity of chemotherapy or a direct action of radiation therapy. These disorders can be temporary or permanent, and can put you at risk of secondary aggravations. Affection of the taste or smell puts certain patients at risk of nutritional deterioration of the general condition and quality of life. (removed by Moderators)

    To answer your question directly, it is important to know that radiation to the head and neck areas which affects your teeth, salivary glands and gums, majorizes alterations of taste and the risk of dental problems, including cavities, bad breath, loosing teeth, and others. The occurrence of cataract is also possible present in patients who received high dose of brain irradiation. Finally, there are some aesthetic effects (alopecia, scarring) that impair patients' quality of life. Learn more on (removed by Moderators)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Milaandra
    Milaandra Member Posts: 271
    edited June 2015

    Do you mean tooth problems after breast radiation? Because I've been fighting some weird dental infection for more than six weeks, and it started exactly five and half weeks after my radiation ended...the same amount of time after my spine radiation I got cellulitis in my arm, even though I didn't have any lymph nodes removed!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited June 2015

    I have 7 front teeth compromised by what is sometimes called "radiation decay". However turns out it's really caused by dry mouth and I had that for almost a year from various chemo treatments before I eve had rads. One tooth broke off pretty close to the gum line while I was eating butter lettuce - LOL. I've had my first implant and sadly have given up eating corn on the cob.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • movingsoccermom
    movingsoccermom Member Posts: 225
    edited June 2015

    Zillsnot4me: It is prescription toothpaste with extra fluoride 1.1% sodium fluoride. Dentist also recommended brushing 3 times daily after every meal--I manage morning and night, and floss both times. I am also using a mouthwash for dry mouth. So far so good, but I am only 2.5 weeks into rads, so can't report long term results. Hope this helps..

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shaz1970
    Shaz1970 Member Posts: 42
    edited January 2018

    This thread sounds like my issues, 9 fillings I now need, my dentist said Radiotherapy causes dry mouth, which causes cavities and I’m to carry a water bottle with me all the time, sip from it all day, and use a mouth wash at lunch time!

    Just one of those issues that pop up to surprise you when you least expect it

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories