Did chemo damage your teeth?

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Karen2019
Karen2019 Member Posts: 98
edited October 2019 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

On the advice of the wonderful ladies here, I had a full dental cleaning and xrays soon after being diagnosed to be sure that I wouldn't need any dental work done while undergoing treatment. My dentist told me that he often treats cancer patients with "fluoride trays" to give their teeth an extra boost of strength if they have to undergo chemo. However, they are $400 and insurance doesn't cover them. Can anyone tell me if chemo damaged or weakened your teeth in any way?

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  • Kamboka
    Kamboka Member Posts: 975
    edited October 2019

    Karen2019: My MO did not tell me to go to dentist first or to use extra fluoride. However, I did floss several times a day and brush my teeth on average 4-5 times a day. I still had some tooth sensitivity, right before starting taxol, that caused me to go to the dentist. The dentist did x-rays and said I had about 4-5 cavities. Less than a year ago, I didn't have any. He started me on a prescription toothpaste called Provident and told me to use ACT mouthwash. The toothpaste was $25. I don't know about the fluoride trays but you can ask your dentist if the toothpaste has the same dosage as the trays and then you can decide which is best for you.

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  • WC3
    WC3 Member Posts: 1,540
    edited October 2019

    Yes! My fillings are leaking and my gums have receeded.

    The gum recession I believe is either a direct result of the chemotherapy or targeted therapy (Herceptin and Perjeta). The leaking fillings are from the acid. Acid reflux, acidic foods because lemon and vinegar were a few of the only tjings I could taste mid cycle, snacking and then falling asleep without brushing and being unable to brush even with biotene toothpaste because of enflammed tongue taste buds.


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  • Karen2019
    Karen2019 Member Posts: 98
    edited October 2019

    I've decided to go ahead and get the professional fluoride trays. I really need to protect my teeth as best I can.

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  • Kamboka
    Kamboka Member Posts: 975
    edited October 2019

    Karen2019: Best of luck with chemo. I hope you have as easy a time as possible.

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  • Karen2019
    Karen2019 Member Posts: 98
    edited October 2019

    Thank you Kamboka!

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  • teaka123
    teaka123 Member Posts: 95
    edited October 2019

    I would suggest you consider just having fluoride tx in the dental office or request a prescription toothpaste with extra fluoride. But, there is not need to spend $400 for fluoride trays, honestly that sounds like a sales job to me.

    Chemo does effect the minerals in our saliva and can cause additional plaque, etc.



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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited October 2019

    I had my teeth cleaned before starting treatment and they did a flouride paint then a flouride wash. I did have some radiation decay on 7 teeth, but I was already was flossing, then using a water pik, then using a high flouride toothpaste so things came out OK

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited October 2019

    I had a standard cleaning and was given a lubricating mouthwash in case chemo and Tamoxifen made my mouth dry. I haven't used it since chemo. I've had no dental problems since chemo (4 years).

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited October 2019

    Don’t think chemo did anything, 4 years on Arimidex did. 4 cavities at 69 years old.

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