HBO

Denis and Hondo
Just read your posts and I have a question about your teeth and care? May I ask what type of care you both have been doing to prevent any cavities or the possible breaking of your teeth.

Denis- I don't know your history, so I am curious as I try to make sure I brush after each meal or at least chew some sugar free gum to help remove some of the leftover food particals after eating. I also have done the flouride trays for many years. Last year my VA Dentist gave me Flouride Gel to use by brush and I have been doing that. Fortunately, I have not had any major issues like you and Hondo.

Hondo- If I remember correctly, you have gone through radiation at least twice if not more, am I correct? If you have gone through radiation around your head and neck. It appears to me that you would be unable to prevent any real damage to your teeth even with flouride and regular brushing. I am also aware that the number of RAD's we receive causes the side effects we all endure.

I am concerned about all that we have been through, that I can avoid the HBO and removal of my teeth. I was given the option to have them all removed prior to my surgery and radiation, but chose to keep what I had if at all possible.

Thank you in advance for your replies

My Best to Both of You and Everyone Here

denistd said:

HBO
I did everything that I was supposed to do, fluoride trays, cleaned my teeth with Biotene toothpaste after eating (wherever possible) but at a minimum of 3 times a day, always had some Biotene mouthwash with me and flossed 3 times a day and they still went kaput. Could have been a heck of a lot worse

Thank You
Denis,

Thank you for your reply, sounds like you have done everything possible to avoid damage but it came anyway. You have answered my question loud and clear. I figure I will continue to take all possible avenues to protect my teeth, but indulge in some treats when I can and I am able to taste some foods.

As I mentioned, I had done the trays with the flouride for roughly 5 years without any major problems except when I tried some hard food once which cracked 2 teeth that I had caps put on. I had a newer Dentist give me the Flouride Gel to use which I brush on, and let sit on my teeth for 30 minutes, similar as the trays. I will be visiting him soon and want to see if I still get the same results. All clear and good job are the words I like to hear from the Dentist.

Thank You once again

My Best to You and Everyone Here

MarineE5 said:

Denis and Hondo
Just read your posts and I have a question about your teeth and care? May I ask what type of care you both have been doing to prevent any cavities or the possible breaking of your teeth.

Denis- I don't know your history, so I am curious as I try to make sure I brush after each meal or at least chew some sugar free gum to help remove some of the leftover food particals after eating. I also have done the flouride trays for many years. Last year my VA Dentist gave me Flouride Gel to use by brush and I have been doing that. Fortunately, I have not had any major issues like you and Hondo.

Hondo- If I remember correctly, you have gone through radiation at least twice if not more, am I correct? If you have gone through radiation around your head and neck. It appears to me that you would be unable to prevent any real damage to your teeth even with flouride and regular brushing. I am also aware that the number of RAD's we receive causes the side effects we all endure.

I am concerned about all that we have been through, that I can avoid the HBO and removal of my teeth. I was given the option to have them all removed prior to my surgery and radiation, but chose to keep what I had if at all possible.

Thank you in advance for your replies

My Best to Both of You and Everyone Here

G’day Marine

Yes I too did all that I could do to save my teeth. But with the side affects of the radiation and damage to the Jaw because I can’t open it very far, the teeth are really getting bad now. The doctor at MD Anderson believes he can save most of them if I can get just a little more opening in my mouth, I been working on that with a dynasplint for about 8 month now but all I can get is 20mm of opening. While that don’t sound like much it is better then what I started with 14mm, just 6mm has made a world of different in my life to the point that I can kiss my wife at night again.

I have a long way to go still but hoping to convince the doctor to lets get started before any more damage to what is still good in my mouth. I work for a diving company so HBO is nothing new to me. If fact we have some divers who live in a HBO chamber for up to 40 days at a time.

Take care and take care of you teeth as long as you can.
Hondo

Hondo said:

G’day Marine

Yes I too did all that I could do to save my teeth. But with the side affects of the radiation and damage to the Jaw because I can’t open it very far, the teeth are really getting bad now. The doctor at MD Anderson believes he can save most of them if I can get just a little more opening in my mouth, I been working on that with a dynasplint for about 8 month now but all I can get is 20mm of opening. While that don’t sound like much it is better then what I started with 14mm, just 6mm has made a world of different in my life to the point that I can kiss my wife at night again.

I have a long way to go still but hoping to convince the doctor to lets get started before any more damage to what is still good in my mouth. I work for a diving company so HBO is nothing new to me. If fact we have some divers who live in a HBO chamber for up to 40 days at a time.

Take care and take care of you teeth as long as you can.
Hondo

Hondo
Thank you for getting back to me and answering my question.I know that you have been through more then your share with all this. But, you continue to share your experience with all of us. That I am thankful for. I hope that you will be able to open your mouth a bit further so the Doctor is able to work with you on saving your teeth.

My Best to You and Everyone Here