Accelerated tooth decay post chemo?

Bbeth69 · New User Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 5

Does anyone know if Chemo accelerates tooth decay? It seems to me that after I finished aggressive chemo for BC the condition of my teeth deteriorated quickly. Has anyone else experienced this?

penelopez · Senior User Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 165

Hi,

I don't know what research shows, but I think chemo can do a number on anything.

I called my dentist just before I started chemo and asked if they could squeeze me in with the next cancellation so I could get a good cleaning before starting chemo. (They did, fortunately.) The dental hygienist instructed me on proper care during chemo. She said to brush at least twice a day and floss daily. In spite of meticulously following her instructions, I went for a check-up after chemo when my counts returned to normal and discovered I had a low-grade gum infection. The hygienist told me that normally my body would probably have been able to fight that off....but with the lower counts, it's more difficult.

I was told the most we can do is lift our dental hygiene up a notch and then hope for the best. But I definitely advise getting a dental exam after chemo (when your counts return to normal).

Hugs,

Margie

Minnlady13

Hi Beth, welcome to the board and our community. I did not have chemo, but have a wonderful friend in Texas that did and has reported a lot of dental problems. She has teeth that are literally disintegrating. Looks like Margie has some good advice for you. Good luck. Hope you feel comfortable here and join in our discussions. Hugs, Lauri
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AlaskaAngel · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:40 pm Post subject: Chemo effects on teeth

What I had wondered about this was whether calcium depletion of the teeth was affected by chemo. My understanding of that question is that the teeth are already formed so low calcium isn't much of an issue. So... then why did the large teeth in the back fall apart immediately after chemo? I had one literally crack in half, two pieces... I think chemo leaches something out of the teeth but I don't know what.
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MACE1610 · Regular Joined: 27 Nov 2004 Posts: 23 Location: FLORIDA

HI, MY MOTHER HAD THAT PROBLEM WITH HER CHEMO FOR BC. SHE HAD GONE TO HER DENTIST BECAUSE SHE KNEW SHE WAS HAVING A PROBLEM. HE TOLD HER THAT WENT ALONG WITH THE CHEMO AND TOLD HER TO NOT WASTE HER MONEY GETTING TEETH TAKEN CARE OF UNTIL SOME TIME PAST AFTER FINISHING THE CHEMO. TO LET THE DECAYING SLOW DOWN SOME FIRST. THAT IS WHAT SHE DID AND WAS THANKFUL THAT HER DENTIST DID NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HER BY DOING ALOT OF DENTIAL WORK THAT WOULD MOST LIKELY HAVE TO BE DONE OVER AGAIN. I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU WITH THE ANSWER THAT YOU NEED.
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leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hello

The teeth and gums are definitely more prone to problems during and after chemotherapy. People definitely need to take very good care of their teeth to minimize the chances of problems.

regards
Leo
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Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

Muttsmom

I had to molar's that had fillings in them and during chemo, just crumbled out. I also had one that absessed (oh joy) and all I could do is take antibiodics for the infection until after chemo. I've had more problems since chemo and my dentist says it has nothing to do with it........ He's never had chemo.
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Bbeth69 · New User Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 5

Thank you all for your input! My dentist tells me that Chemo doesnt affect your teeth. Needless to say, I didn't believe that but I had a hard time finding any information about the subject. I am comforted to know that I am not alone or crazy!

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