Re: Teeth
 

Forgot to mention, I do wear a bite guard religiously. It was mentioned in another post. I am a grinder..

Re: Teeth
 

Thank you all for these responses. Very helpful, interesting. Yesterday I met a woman at the beach...cancer survivor (throat and soft palate) treated with heavy radiation, hyperbaric chamber, etc...bottom line, cannot have extractions etc. due to osteonecrosis fears...she is having terrible teeth issues too. Coincidentally seeing my same dentist, paying out of pocket a 5 figure $$$, as am I . It was very reassuring to meet and talk with her.
So, here is my update, I have had all my front teeth (16) prepped for special crowns (no metal) and am now in temporaries. The permanent crowns will go in in 3 weeks. At that time, I will have the remaining molars, 12, prepped for crowns, temporaries, etc. 3 more weeks to final crowns. All these procedures are done under sedation. What an ordeal!!! I will also have a night guard (I am a grinder too!) Also will need to have special cleaning procedure done every 3 months.
Not complaining, no regrets, glad to be alive and NED. Again, thank you all for chiming in. In the general scheme of what so many of us are dealing with on a daily basis, teeth do seem rather trivial...but critical!!!

Re: Teeth
 

OMG - what an ordeal even in the "grand scheme of things". Glad you will be under sedation and hope you do not have too much discomfort!

Janis

Re: Teeth
 

I have had dental problems for a long, long time, ever since some cheapo dentist put some cheap fillings in my mouth. Turned out to be allergic to them and have had health issues since. Breast cancer was only one of them. Teeth are very important to overall health, I assure you! I have a bridge, lots of fillings, that need renewing every couple of years, as the only filling I'm not allergic to isn't very strong.

Off to my dentist now, for a gum infection and nerve pain. Agree!

Oh, and allergic to novocaine too. So I take a pain killer before treatment.

Jacqueline

(didn't have chemo, but did have Zoladex and Arimidex)

Re: Teeth
 

I have had bad teeth from growing up without fluoride and hereditary reasons; hence, I have had numerous crowns and root canals. Chemo has made my mouth worse and now I have crowned, root canalled teeth that are having issue.... I found this article and am curious: HOW MANY OF US HAD A ROOT CANAL BEFORE CANCER??????

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/ar...led-teeth.aspx

Re: Teeth
 

Several root canals before cancer, many crowns plus periodontal treatment going back 30 years. I am also cursed with bad teeth but nothing worse since chemo. I do get my teeth cleaned every 3 months. If I didn't, I'd be in big trouble. I started using prescription fluoride toothpaste (prevident) about a year ago and my hygienists tell me it's made a big difference.

Best
Janis

Re: Teeth
 

I saw dentist before chemo, he warned me to care extra for teeth during TCH, by 17th round they had turned grey and gum line brown, I saw him through treatment and he said there was nothing he could do, it just happens. Then the lecture about dry mouth causing this, and I showed him the gel and oramoist I carry and use around clock and I only drink water and no teas or coffee. Four grand later out of pocket and a smile specialist dentist I have my orginal color teeth back and can show my teeth again. Here is the kicker, before doing this people said I looked bad and concerned, the first time they see me with veneers and crowns they say I look so much healthier. I admit, makes huge difference in looks. I wish teeth were covered like boobs with cancer damage.

Re: Teeth
 

Chemo sides effects just keep on giving! I hadn't had a cavity in the 10 years prior to chemo but my first dentist app after chemo showed 5 cavities. I only had cavities, a minor dental issue thankfully but..... Teeth are very important in overall health and well being.

Re: Teeth
 

OMG When I was radiated to my supraclavicular node etc. they didn't put a block on my head and my teeth were full of holes. I hate to think of what that did to my brain and eyes lol. I had to have caps everywhere. Cost me a bundle. Since then I have lost two of the caps...likely from chemo since one more since I had most recent chemo. What a pain!!!

Cathy