Chompers

fishmanpa
fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Dental health is a concern of many and it's been discussed here on many occasions. I first saw a post about it and it kind of freaked me out that my teeth may go buh bye several years down the line. I had an extraction prior to treatment and a deep cleaning. I also have some issues with receding gums and bone loss.

I went to the dentist Thursday for my three month cleaning and check up and much to my surprise my dental situation has actually improved! Every gum pocket had gotten better and I even have some bone regenration. A very good report! 

I don't use fluoride trays as my dentist recommended an OTC kids flouride rinse. Apparently, it's been doing the trick. I brush regularly, mornings, after meals and evenings, use floss, in between cleaning brushes and rinse at least three times a day with the fluoride. Apparently it's working just fine. 

Other than a couple of teeth that will eventually need crowns, all is well. 

Positive thoughts

"T"

 

Comments

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #2
    Hi T

    Sounds like you have it under control. I lost four in the bottom front but then I just did the norm (forgetting I was abi-normal) and brushed twice a day with regular toothpaste. I am using colgate prescription toothpaste now and doing well.

    Hoping everything is well with you.

          Jeff

  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #3
    Always love to hear this kind of news!

    I'm with you, "T".  Brushing, rinsing, flossing, fluoride treatments, avoiding sweets, and hoping that the teeth hang in there.  I'm beginning to have a bit of a problem with teeth crowding in the front - dentist calls it "mesial drift."  We briefly discussed braces, but word was that even that much extra pressure on tooth roots could bring on osteoradionecrosis.  Eeeeek. 

    Always positive thoughts!  Happy to have TEETH!  Happy Holidays, everyone!

    Deb

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #4
    Good news, T!

    and once you get past 50, there's always crown work to do, so your teeth are right on time.  Good work.  I am so grateful I didn't have to work through teeth issues after treatment....I wasn't so happy, tho....when I had to take mine out everyday before rads....

    p

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    #5
    phrannie51 said:

    Good news, T!

    and once you get past 50, there's always crown work to do, so your teeth are right on time.  Good work.  I am so grateful I didn't have to work through teeth issues after treatment....I wasn't so happy, tho....when I had to take mine out everyday before rads....

    p

    Ba Da Boom!

    Well Put!

    "T"

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #6
    teeth care

    Hi T,

    So far so good on the teeth front.  I have had a few dental visits with all is well.  They give me a fluoride treatment and sent me home with some fluoride gel I can brush on or use with my whitening trays.

    I was warned by the rad onc to take care of my teeth, but the real good advice came from reading H&N posts.  Also, I have read that the Xylimelts I use for dry mouth may be good for my teeth.

    Matt

  • Ron Silver
    Ron Silver Member Posts: 94
    #7
    Dental Health

    Been advised, and doing, the Sonic care electronic toothbrush followed by use of the Water Pik.  Floss, Sonic care brushing, then Water Pik, finishing with non-alcohol floruide mouthwash.  So far so good.  I view the procedure akin to the detailing of a car.  Pre-treatment never even considered spending so much time on my teeth. 

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