Does anyone know what the long term effect of radiation is on teeth?

Kaleena
Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1
I was just wondering if anyone knew or experienced problems with their teeth that may have been caused by effects from radiation.

Recently, I just had a root canal. Now, several teeth have lost their fillings. I know in the past that during pregnancy I had teeth problems, but I didn't know if radiation could be effecting my teeth now. Within the past year, I have had 4 CT scans, 1 PET/CT Scan, 3 PET Scans, MRI, plus x-rays on my teeth and a mammogram. I had brachytherapy in 2006.

Just a thought.

Kathy

Comments

  • Cindy Bear
    Cindy Bear Member Posts: 569
    #2
    Hi Kathy
    I don't know the answer to this.. but you might want to check on the head and neck cancer forum.. I believe that unless you've had radiation directly to that area.. (like the HNC people) it shouldn't be an issue...I know one of the issues for people who have had radiation to Head/neck area is lack of saliva so dry mouth can aggravate tooth decay.. Good luck and I hope you find the info you are looking for..
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #3
    Tooth problems
    I think Cindy is correct that the Head and neck treatments may result in oral issues, rather then pevic radiatio. I am not certain, but know a cancer survivor who said that within the first 2 years of finishing her chemo she had 2 root canals and one extraction and blamed it on the chemo.

    You might want to consider that part of the equation.

    Karen
  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #4
    Thanks Cindy and
    Thanks Cindy and Karen:

    Thanks Cindy and Karen for your replies.
    Well since I only had brachy therapy and chemo, I guess I just have rotten teeth! Of course, I have always had a lot of fillings. Well I have another dental appointment this week. I should be good for awhile.

    Kathy
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #5
    Kaleena said:

    Thanks Cindy and
    Thanks Cindy and Karen:

    Thanks Cindy and Karen for your replies.
    Well since I only had brachy therapy and chemo, I guess I just have rotten teeth! Of course, I have always had a lot of fillings. Well I have another dental appointment this week. I should be good for awhile.

    Kathy

    Check this out re: chemo and teeth
    Kathy,

    I still think it might have been the chemo... There are several articles about this when I googled. Check out this site: http://www.livestrong.com/article/31610-effects-chemotherapy-teeth/

    Am sorry you are having such tooth issues. I don't enjoy dental work at all!!

    Karen

Discussion Boards