Radiation damage to my teeth and gums

Sheilarhc
Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Finished 28 (I think it was 28) treatments of radiation in April 2007. The first year was difficult, didn't like not having taste or saliva. Saw my dentist every three months to make sure my teeth would not suffer from lack of saliva. He never gave me fluoride trays and didn't feel the need to take X-rays. At the end of 2009 I started to have pain in my teeth and my face started to swell. I went to see another dentist and he was horrified with what he found. The decay was overwhelming and so was my level of pain. When I started radiation, my teeth were strong and healthy, at 36, I had never had a cavity. I knew that radiation and loss of saliva could cause damage but I had no ideas to this level. I've had somewhere around $14,000 worth of work done, lost 4 teeth, and had 20 dives in the hyperbaric chamber. I'm still in pain and my gums are receding so badly it just hurts to eat. i now have my trays and use the toothpaste prescribed by my dentist. Has anyone else had problems with their teeth or gums since finishing treatment?
Has anyone had implants? Thank you for any advice you have to give.

Sheila
«1

Comments

  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #2
    Yes, I have had issues as
    Yes, I have had issues as well, and I do have the fluoride trays. I've had a restoration on all my teeth, $$$$$$$$. :( I have not had any pulled or HBO, and I pray I won't. I know he is watching #19 and told me, "you will not be taking that tooth to your grave."

    My mouth is extremely dry, I am having gum issues. They look like they are really receding. I do not have gum disease. I go to the dentist again next week.
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #3
    Sudden onset
    Hi Sheila, it sounds like everything went south on you pretty fast. Many people here have had--or will have--teeth problems associated with radiation. I got some saliva back fairly fast-with7-8 months--and asked my medical onc if that would help in retaining some teeth. He said no, the damage was already done by the radiation. But I don't think he's entirely right on that. My only advice would be to use the flouride, and be sure and brush your gums along with your teeth. I too have a rising gumline, and I believe it you can keep them stimulated, and keep blood flowing in the tissue, that is helpful. A great many here have done time in the chamber, only to eventually lose the battle and end up with dentures. Not the worst thing in the world, but no fun.
    Best of luck, Hal
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #4
    Hi Sheila
    Sounds like the same thing that happened with me. I always had great teeth but after radiation twice to the head the teeth and jaw all went to hell in a hand basket. I am still just trying to find the right people to work on my teeth as I also have problems with the Jaw not opening enough for the dentist to work on my teeth. I do have a Restorative & Cosmetic Dentist I see through MD Anderson who is trying to help me but still have the problems with the Jaw so back to MD Anderson again. The only good part of this is that I am not in any pain with the teeth as I have enough pain everywhere else.
    :+})

    Take care and welcome to H&N on CSN
    Hondo
  • Sheilarhc
    Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
    #5
    sweetblood22 said:

    Yes, I have had issues as
    Yes, I have had issues as well, and I do have the fluoride trays. I've had a restoration on all my teeth, $$$$$$$$. :( I have not had any pulled or HBO, and I pray I won't. I know he is watching #19 and told me, "you will not be taking that tooth to your grave."

    My mouth is extremely dry, I am having gum issues. They look like they are really receding. I do not have gum disease. I go to the dentist again next week.

    What does that mean,
    What does that mean, restoration to your teeth. Is that like fillings, root canals, etc. I'm in pain all the time and only survive the day with pain meds. It's very frustrating and sad. I knew this could be a side effect but I'm sad that it is happening.

    Thank you for the info.....good luck with your check up next week
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #6
    Sheilarhc said:

    What does that mean,
    What does that mean, restoration to your teeth. Is that like fillings, root canals, etc. I'm in pain all the time and only survive the day with pain meds. It's very frustrating and sad. I knew this could be a side effect but I'm sad that it is happening.

    Thank you for the info.....good luck with your check up next week

    I had every tooth filled,
    I had every tooth filled, because the tops of them all were just awful. My teeth were just disintegrating. It happened very quickly. I have not had a root canal, ever. I'm pretty sure every tooth in my head is filled, though. I didn't have issues like this before cancer, I even had all my wisdom teeth before all this.
  • Bee1957
    Bee1957 Member Posts: 2
    #7
    Hondo said:

    Hi Sheila
    Sounds like the same thing that happened with me. I always had great teeth but after radiation twice to the head the teeth and jaw all went to hell in a hand basket. I am still just trying to find the right people to work on my teeth as I also have problems with the Jaw not opening enough for the dentist to work on my teeth. I do have a Restorative & Cosmetic Dentist I see through MD Anderson who is trying to help me but still have the problems with the Jaw so back to MD Anderson again. The only good part of this is that I am not in any pain with the teeth as I have enough pain everywhere else.
    :+})

    Take care and welcome to H&N on CSN
    Hondo

    Teeth and gum damage
    I had to have all of my teeth pulled! I have had dentures for two months now. Having a difficult time adjusting to them. Also have dry mouth which does not help. And my vocal chords were damaged from radiation, so the mouth and throat are quite the mess! But, rather cope with this than the alternative. :≈} I was told the teeth had to go or else I could developed a gum disease which would destroy my jaws and I would be disfigured and suffer from the pain.
  • Sheilarhc
    Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
    #8
    Hal61 said:

    Sudden onset
    Hi Sheila, it sounds like everything went south on you pretty fast. Many people here have had--or will have--teeth problems associated with radiation. I got some saliva back fairly fast-with7-8 months--and asked my medical onc if that would help in retaining some teeth. He said no, the damage was already done by the radiation. But I don't think he's entirely right on that. My only advice would be to use the flouride, and be sure and brush your gums along with your teeth. I too have a rising gumline, and I believe it you can keep them stimulated, and keep blood flowing in the tissue, that is helpful. A great many here have done time in the chamber, only to eventually lose the battle and end up with dentures. Not the worst thing in the world, but no fun.
    Best of luck, Hal

    Hi Hal,
    Yes, everything went
    Hi Hal,

    Yes, everything went south quickly. I'm just frustrated but I will try the tip you gave me. Brushing the gum line is painful but I will give it a try.

    Thanks for you imput, I appreciate it :)

    Sheila
  • Sheilarhc
    Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
    #9
    Hondo said:

    Hi Sheila
    Sounds like the same thing that happened with me. I always had great teeth but after radiation twice to the head the teeth and jaw all went to hell in a hand basket. I am still just trying to find the right people to work on my teeth as I also have problems with the Jaw not opening enough for the dentist to work on my teeth. I do have a Restorative & Cosmetic Dentist I see through MD Anderson who is trying to help me but still have the problems with the Jaw so back to MD Anderson again. The only good part of this is that I am not in any pain with the teeth as I have enough pain everywhere else.
    :+})

    Take care and welcome to H&N on CSN
    Hondo

    My jaw does not open very
    My jaw does not open very wide either but it does open enough so that my dentist can work on my teeth. I was hoping maybe I could just get implants but my dentist doesn't seem to think that's a good idea. I do have some salvia and I take salagen every four hours and that seems to really help. I was told it's not the quantity of saliva but the quality that is the problem.
    Radiation....it's the gift that keeps on giving,

    I'm sorry you're in pain. I remember the days of "pain free", seems like a lifetime ago.

    Sheila
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #10
    Sheilarhc said:

    Hi Hal,
    Yes, everything went
    Hi Hal,

    Yes, everything went south quickly. I'm just frustrated but I will try the tip you gave me. Brushing the gum line is painful but I will give it a try.

    Thanks for you imput, I appreciate it :)

    Sheila

    Sheila
    I numb my mouth to brush my teeth because it's painful. I've used Magic Swizzle (aka Magic Mouthwash), orajel, lidocaine. Etc. My tongue and mouth are still extremely sensitive, and this helps.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #11
    Bee1957 said:

    Teeth and gum damage
    I had to have all of my teeth pulled! I have had dentures for two months now. Having a difficult time adjusting to them. Also have dry mouth which does not help. And my vocal chords were damaged from radiation, so the mouth and throat are quite the mess! But, rather cope with this than the alternative. :≈} I was told the teeth had to go or else I could developed a gum disease which would destroy my jaws and I would be disfigured and suffer from the pain.

    Hi Bee
    I am sorry that you had to go through all of that but like you said it sure beats the alternative. I don’t have any gum disease just damaged teeth from too much treatment. I am glad that you have joined us here so welcome to CSN my friend.

    Hondo
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #12
    Sheilarhc said:

    My jaw does not open very
    My jaw does not open very wide either but it does open enough so that my dentist can work on my teeth. I was hoping maybe I could just get implants but my dentist doesn't seem to think that's a good idea. I do have some salvia and I take salagen every four hours and that seems to really help. I was told it's not the quantity of saliva but the quality that is the problem.
    Radiation....it's the gift that keeps on giving,

    I'm sorry you're in pain. I remember the days of "pain free", seems like a lifetime ago.

    Sheila

    Hi Sheila
    Did you use any type of Jaw stretching device, I had 22mm of opening when I finished my second radiation treatment. Now all I have is about 12mm unless I use a Dynasplint to try and keep it open.

    So right on the radiation being the gift that keeps on giving, so very true.

    Hondo
  • Sheilarhc
    Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
    #13
    Hondo said:

    Hi Sheila
    Did you use any type of Jaw stretching device, I had 22mm of opening when I finished my second radiation treatment. Now all I have is about 12mm unless I use a Dynasplint to try and keep it open.

    So right on the radiation being the gift that keeps on giving, so very true.

    Hondo

    Hondo,
    My surgeon had me
    Hondo,

    My surgeon had me work with tongue depressors. I would stack them together and slide them into my mouth to hold open my jaw. I stack as many as I could handle and then hold them in my mouth as long as I could. From there I would TRY to add another depressor after a few days. I did help, it hurt like crazy but it helped. I just get sad that I've come so far yet I'm still suffering. Trust me, I realize and am grateful that I'm in recovery I just selfishly miss my old self. I miss being able to eat, taste, swallow, and spit like a normal person. I battle with depression and although I try not to wallow in self pity, sometime....I just can't help it.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #14
    Sheilarhc said:

    Hondo,
    My surgeon had me
    Hondo,

    My surgeon had me work with tongue depressors. I would stack them together and slide them into my mouth to hold open my jaw. I stack as many as I could handle and then hold them in my mouth as long as I could. From there I would TRY to add another depressor after a few days. I did help, it hurt like crazy but it helped. I just get sad that I've come so far yet I'm still suffering. Trust me, I realize and am grateful that I'm in recovery I just selfishly miss my old self. I miss being able to eat, taste, swallow, and spit like a normal person. I battle with depression and although I try not to wallow in self pity, sometime....I just can't help it.

    Sheila
    I used the sticks at first then got a TheraBite System that did help a lot and was better than the sticks. Because of having Radiation twice to the head I have a lot more damage to the jaw and muscles that work the jaw. Now it seems like everything I do to try get more opening in the jaw just has the reverse effects, it gets smaller. I am not thinking about getting a PEG tube to use for most of my nourishment and just use the mouth now and then for things that I can taste. My Last treatment was in March 2005 so I am now just about 6+ years passed and just now are some of the side effects really starting.

    I too deal with depression but have been able to control it most of the time. It is not easy but I pray about it a lot and somehow I find strength in my prayers to keep going every day.

    TheraBite


    Wishing you well
    Hondo
  • SASH
    SASH Member Posts: 421 Member
    #15
    Teeth
    I had 12 pulled before radiation. Then had many cavities filled since radiation has ended. 3 teeth broke because of the decay and damage that the radiation caused. One of the ones that had broken had the root left in the gum. This morning I found that the root was loose and just came out. A few minutes of rinsing out my mouth I had very little blood.

    Now I have something for the tooth fairy. Hope she is hot. ;-)
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #16
    SASH said:

    Teeth
    I had 12 pulled before radiation. Then had many cavities filled since radiation has ended. 3 teeth broke because of the decay and damage that the radiation caused. One of the ones that had broken had the root left in the gum. This morning I found that the root was loose and just came out. A few minutes of rinsing out my mouth I had very little blood.

    Now I have something for the tooth fairy. Hope she is hot. ;-)

    Tooth Fairy
    Dude, I hate to break this to you, but the tooth fairy, was just my mom, and she is so not hot....... ;-)
  • SASH
    SASH Member Posts: 421 Member
    #17
    sweetblood22 said:

    Tooth Fairy
    Dude, I hate to break this to you, but the tooth fairy, was just my mom, and she is so not hot....... ;-)

    Tooth Fairy
    LOL
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #18
    SASH said:

    Tooth Fairy
    LOL

    Sheila
    I finished NPC tx in 4/09, and since have had one root canal and 2 Crowns, and 4 teeth rebuilt. Had a number of Crowns before C came my way, and they are the only teeth which have not suffered major damage. Need tops put on a number of other teeth. My gums seem to be about the same over the past 1 1/2-years, so your post has given me cause for concern. Was hoping the gums would stay the way they are, albeit with loss of tissue from the rads, so am inspecting them a bit more than before, now. Does get expensive, and does make one wonder if it wouldn't have been better to just get them all pulled before tx and go the denture route. Please keep us informed on how you're doing.

    kcass
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #19
    Sheilarhc said:

    My jaw does not open very
    My jaw does not open very wide either but it does open enough so that my dentist can work on my teeth. I was hoping maybe I could just get implants but my dentist doesn't seem to think that's a good idea. I do have some salvia and I take salagen every four hours and that seems to really help. I was told it's not the quantity of saliva but the quality that is the problem.
    Radiation....it's the gift that keeps on giving,

    I'm sorry you're in pain. I remember the days of "pain free", seems like a lifetime ago.

    Sheila

    Implants
    Sheila,

    I was just seen by the university based dental clinic in advance of my second go at radiation. I was told they now do implants on some people post radiation. I don't know how to interpret this, of course, but if you ever get to where you really want to explore this, you might consider seeing a dental service that has done a lot of dentistry on people like us.

    Pat
  • Sheilarhc
    Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
    #20
    Bee1957 said:

    Teeth and gum damage
    I had to have all of my teeth pulled! I have had dentures for two months now. Having a difficult time adjusting to them. Also have dry mouth which does not help. And my vocal chords were damaged from radiation, so the mouth and throat are quite the mess! But, rather cope with this than the alternative. :≈} I was told the teeth had to go or else I could developed a gum disease which would destroy my jaws and I would be disfigured and suffer from the pain.

    Hi Bee,
    My biggest fear is
    Hi Bee,

    My biggest fear is having all my teeth pulled. From what I've been told, the lack of saliva makes dentures a bit difficult. I guess I'm just praying for things to improve and deal with the situation. I live on pain meds (Norco and Oxy) just to get through to day. I am cancer free at the moment and try to remind myself that this too shall pass. Thanks for the imput and I hope you get used to your dentures.

    Sheila
  • Sheilarhc
    Sheilarhc Member Posts: 46
    #21
    Bee1957 said:

    Teeth and gum damage
    I had to have all of my teeth pulled! I have had dentures for two months now. Having a difficult time adjusting to them. Also have dry mouth which does not help. And my vocal chords were damaged from radiation, so the mouth and throat are quite the mess! But, rather cope with this than the alternative. :≈} I was told the teeth had to go or else I could developed a gum disease which would destroy my jaws and I would be disfigured and suffer from the pain.

    oops...I posted twice. lol

    oops...I posted twice. lol

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