Burning Water and Disappearing Gum Lines?

KDDavis
KDDavis Member Posts: 34
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi everyone, tomorrow I will get the 29th of 33 radiation treatments. No Chemo for me. My Doctor did not recommend a feeding tube so I've been inhaling the ensures. After about the 20th treatment I have had to take a swig of Mary's Magic 10 minutes before drinking one. I've heard folks say on this board that it is important to stay hydrated and I can understand why. However, I have some interesting sores on the inside of my mouth and when I drink plain water it'll sting quite a bit. If I rinse with a salt/baking soda solution it relieves the pain. I'm just curious to see if others have had the same sensation with water as it goes down their throats.

Also, I just noticed that some of the roots of my teeth are much more visible now. Nothing exposed but I can certainly see parts of my teeth that have normally been hidden by healthy gums. Anybody else have this happen to them?

Godspeed to all either going through a battle with cancer or those helping others fight this terrible disease.

Kent

Comments

  • Scambuster
    Scambuster Member Posts: 973
    #2
    L-Glutamine
    Kent,

    L-Glutamine will help the healing and releive burning. Mix 1-2 heaped sppons in a glass of water and swish and swallow. You can just drink the water with it in and it will not burn. You can have sevferal a day. It also helps the preservation of muscle tissue and healing of the entire mucosa. Get the powder type and buy a tub 1 or 2lb.

    KentCass had some bad gum and teeth issues so he will probably chime in here with some good input for you.

    Scam
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #3
    Hi Kent
    To tell you the truth to me you sound very normal, the sores are normal for radiation and so are the teeth. I too had both problems while going through treatment and I like you did not use a PEG tube either.

    Take care all the best to you as you prepared to cross the finish line, my prayers are with you.
    Hondo
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #4
    Longer in the tooth now...
    Hi Kent

    I am now 1 year post treatment, and since the treatment-related inflammation of the mouth and gums has subsided, I've noticed a bit more visible tooth than I had before. My dentist was fairly reassuring about it - she said not to worry, you're not at the point where I'd recommend skin grafts yet." Great. Thanks, doc.

    Deb
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #5
    D Lewis said:

    Longer in the tooth now...
    Hi Kent

    I am now 1 year post treatment, and since the treatment-related inflammation of the mouth and gums has subsided, I've noticed a bit more visible tooth than I had before. My dentist was fairly reassuring about it - she said not to worry, you're not at the point where I'd recommend skin grafts yet." Great. Thanks, doc.

    Deb

    Skin grafts. ????? Wow. I
    Skin grafts. ????? Wow. I don't want to read that. :( My gums have receeded a lot as well. I was wondering if part of it was because I'm brushing my teeth 5x a day and was maybe brushing away some gums or something. My dentist hasn't said anything about it. Blah
  • KDDavis
    KDDavis Member Posts: 34
    #6
    Hondo said:

    Hi Kent
    To tell you the truth to me you sound very normal, the sores are normal for radiation and so are the teeth. I too had both problems while going through treatment and I like you did not use a PEG tube either.

    Take care all the best to you as you prepared to cross the finish line, my prayers are with you.
    Hondo

    PEG tube and thanks
    Hondo, thanks for the note. I think that just knowing I'm not plowing new ground is wonderful therapy. My last treatment is tomorrow. The radiation techs that have been helping me have been just wonderful and I cannot say enough how much I appreciate them. I may take them some cookies tomorrow. This has been my first illness and I am very thankful for everybody that I've come in contact with throughout the entire process. I hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend!
  • KDDavis
    KDDavis Member Posts: 34
    #7
    Scambuster said:

    L-Glutamine
    Kent,

    L-Glutamine will help the healing and releive burning. Mix 1-2 heaped sppons in a glass of water and swish and swallow. You can just drink the water with it in and it will not burn. You can have sevferal a day. It also helps the preservation of muscle tissue and healing of the entire mucosa. Get the powder type and buy a tub 1 or 2lb.

    KentCass had some bad gum and teeth issues so he will probably chime in here with some good input for you.

    Scam

    L-Glutamine
    Scam, I live in the sticks here in Kentucky and will most likely have to find a GNC to get the powdered form of L-Glutamine. I anxiously await finding a store that carries it! I appreciate the note.
  • stevenl
    stevenl Member Posts: 587
    #8
    sweetblood22 said:

    Skin grafts. ????? Wow. I
    Skin grafts. ????? Wow. I don't want to read that. :( My gums have receeded a lot as well. I was wondering if part of it was because I'm brushing my teeth 5x a day and was maybe brushing away some gums or something. My dentist hasn't said anything about it. Blah

    Dentist
    Haven't been yet. Scared. Hate the dentist, except for 1 and she's not on my ins.
    Big Baby, huh?
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #9
    Kent
    You using flouride trays? Should- according to the U of Iowa, which ranks #4 for ENT. If not- start of them immediately, as we are advised to use them all thru treatment, and beyond. You getting rads to the mouth?

    Be advised that there is loss of gum tissue going-on, but also swelling. There is a significant chance that after treatment when the swelling subsides, then even more of the teeth roots will be exposed. I had to have a Periodontist grind away two of such spots that were causing canker-type sores on the sides of my tongue. The good part of it is that he ground the roots to a depth beneath the gum line, and gum tissue collapsed/covered those tooth roots. With what you describe, I would advise seeing a Periodontist soon after your last rad, as gums are their business, and will know best.

    kcass (also a Kent)

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