Update on teeth

Hal61
Hal61 Member Posts: 655
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Thanks Pat, John, "T", Matt, and Tom for your thoughts and comments.  I went to the dentist today, and need to update the info.

 I jumped to conclusions based on my fatalism, and misdiagnosed my condition.  Though 4 years past treatment, and after following no respectable flouride regimen, my teeth are in good shape according to a very nice dentist in Foley, Alabama.  I get used to lurching toward worst case scenarios, to steel myself, etc.  But I need to pass on the real case so it might be of some use.

Being more or less transient in the last year, I simply  neglected to have my normal 3 cleanings done.  I've always built up plaque fast.  It's been over thirty years since I went that long.  So, low level periodontal inflamation and infection was the result.  My gums began to pull away from the bone in neat line thus creating a thin ditch between the top of my teeth and the gum.  Not having seen this, I figured it was the radiation taking a last whack.  I'm sure there's a lesson there.

So, the trial resulting from less than active flouridation continues, but not really.  I've been given a fouride rinse.  The same sort you might be given to use after a cleaning as I rinse, then don't spit out at bedtime.  I'll be using it.  The dentist says there's no evidence of enamel loss at this time.

So I won't be looking for dentures quite yet, and as I said, my new advice is still to use a flouride treatment. 

As for hitting or otherwise encountering things while sitting relatively still in an RV, it's easy to do.  It's easy to manage when careening at speeds in excess of 50mpg.  Your focus is totally focussed.  Idling, running in neutral on an imperceptible decline, or otherwise embracing a false sense of security at no speed is what sends the fiberglass flying. 

"T", your assignment of "glossing over" concerning the general medical attitude toward teeth is sometimes, unfortunately, correct.  Your docs are more concerned with immediate problems.  Like you, my team had little to nothing to say about it.  I picked up my knowledge of it, like a lot of things, from this board.

Hal

Comments

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #2
    Dang

    I was hoping you'd lose a few of the front ones.  Then you could come visit us again in Arkansas and you would fit right in.

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #3
    I'll Bite

    and apparently so will you....

    Thanks for the update....

    Also, stop coming to Florida if you aren't going to give me a shout out, LOL...

    JG

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #4
    Happy for that good result.

    Happy for that good result. Now if only I could get Jim to use his floride

    Debbie

     

  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #5
    HAL!

    HAL! We've missed you!  How did I miss your earlier posts here?  Where are you and Winnie? Are you in California? Come up and see us.  We have an RV hookup in the yard.  Take a break (ha) and enjoy some sunsets from our hilltop.

    Deb   (p.s. So glad you are doing well and still have teeth. Me too.) 

  • Greg53
    Greg53 Member Posts: 849
    #6
    D Lewis said:

    HAL!

    HAL! We've missed you!  How did I miss your earlier posts here?  Where are you and Winnie? Are you in California? Come up and see us.  We have an RV hookup in the yard.  Take a break (ha) and enjoy some sunsets from our hilltop.

    Deb   (p.s. So glad you are doing well and still have teeth. Me too.) 

    Hal-Baby!

    Hal, what the heck you up to Dude?  Foley, Alabama!  Man, you're getting me dizzy.  I was tracking your travels  on my GPS.  Funny, if I look at it the right way, it looks like a pretty lady in a bikini????  Or a mini-wini with mag wheels????

     

    FYI, as for the teeth issues - I was in the control group that used the fluoride per instructions, but started having periodontal issues.  Dentist buddy of mine got me on a rx of Perio-gel.  In 6 months cleared up all of those issues. 

     

    Take 'er easy Sir and make sure you keep us updated on your travels.

     

    Greg

  • Susanmorr
    Susanmorr Member Posts: 14
    #7
    Greg53 said:

    Hal-Baby!

    Hal, what the heck you up to Dude?  Foley, Alabama!  Man, you're getting me dizzy.  I was tracking your travels  on my GPS.  Funny, if I look at it the right way, it looks like a pretty lady in a bikini????  Or a mini-wini with mag wheels????

     

    FYI, as for the teeth issues - I was in the control group that used the fluoride per instructions, but started having periodontal issues.  Dentist buddy of mine got me on a rx of Perio-gel.  In 6 months cleared up all of those issues. 

     

    Take 'er easy Sir and make sure you keep us updated on your travels.

     

    Greg

    Teeth

    I cant use my fluoride trays because of my mouth sores so could I put it on my finger and rub it on my gums ?

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #8
    Susanmorr said:

    Teeth

    I cant use my fluoride trays because of my mouth sores so could I put it on my finger and rub it on my gums ?

    Absolutely you can

    All the trays do is keep the fluoride in contactt with the teeth longer.  Rubbing it on the gumline works just fine.  You can apply it with a fingertip, or a toothbrush, or a Q tip for that matter.  I can't use the trays anymore because of my trismus.  So I apply it twice a day with a toothbrush.  Since my mouth is pretty dry, I'll bet the fluoride is in contact for a long time.

     

    Pat

  • Susanmorr
    Susanmorr Member Posts: 14
    #9
    longtermsurvivor said:

    Absolutely you can

    All the trays do is keep the fluoride in contactt with the teeth longer.  Rubbing it on the gumline works just fine.  You can apply it with a fingertip, or a toothbrush, or a Q tip for that matter.  I can't use the trays anymore because of my trismus.  So I apply it twice a day with a toothbrush.  Since my mouth is pretty dry, I'll bet the fluoride is in contact for a long time.

     

    Pat

    Teeth

    Thank you Pat. I too suffer from extreme dry mouth to the point where i start coughing then get dry heaves or throw up .I am 14 weeks post treatment and can't get relife no matter what 

     susan

  • Susanmorr
    Susanmorr Member Posts: 14
    #10
    longtermsurvivor said:

    Absolutely you can

    All the trays do is keep the fluoride in contactt with the teeth longer.  Rubbing it on the gumline works just fine.  You can apply it with a fingertip, or a toothbrush, or a Q tip for that matter.  I can't use the trays anymore because of my trismus.  So I apply it twice a day with a toothbrush.  Since my mouth is pretty dry, I'll bet the fluoride is in contact for a long time.

     

    Pat

    Teeth

    Thank you Pat. I too suffer from extreme dry mouth to the point where i start coughing then get dry heaves or throw up .I am 14 weeks post treatment and can't get relife no matter what 

     susan

  • hawk711
    hawk711 Member Posts: 566
    #11
    Hi Greg and Hal

    OK, now I'm starting to have major issues with my teeth too.  Must be the right of passage at 3+ years after treatment.  Got swelling and separation of gum at mollars now and some minor pain.  Sounds like what you had going Hal, by your note.

    Greg, I'm going to ask for the Perio Gel from my dentist.  Is that the "brand" name? 

    Hal, Drive safely and enjoy the U. S. highways and views.

    Take care of your teeth everyone, they won't grow back if problems arise!!!

    All the best,

    Steve

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #12
    hawk711 said:

    Hi Greg and Hal

    OK, now I'm starting to have major issues with my teeth too.  Must be the right of passage at 3+ years after treatment.  Got swelling and separation of gum at mollars now and some minor pain.  Sounds like what you had going Hal, by your note.

    Greg, I'm going to ask for the Perio Gel from my dentist.  Is that the "brand" name? 

    Hal, Drive safely and enjoy the U. S. highways and views.

    Take care of your teeth everyone, they won't grow back if problems arise!!!

    All the best,

    Steve

    Oral B STOP

    Steve, this is the gel that my dentist gives me..., might ask them about that also, if he's not familiar with the Perio Gel.

    Bust to you my buddy, on the opposite coast,

    JG

  • hawk711
    hawk711 Member Posts: 566
    #13
    Skiffin16 said:

    Oral B STOP

    Steve, this is the gel that my dentist gives me..., might ask them about that also, if he's not familiar with the Perio Gel.

    Bust to you my buddy, on the opposite coast,

    JG

    Thanks JG

    Finally got throught the MRI, PET, biopsies.  Looks like no cancer, which is great news.  but,(always a but) it looks like I have starting to have ORN issues with left jaw.  Went to Stanford Med Center to get opinions and looks like Hyperbaric treatments are starting next week to see if that helps, and to prepare me for losing a couple teeth perhaps.

    I'll keep you posted, but this all came out of nowhere for sure.  One week all good, next week, ORN.  Rad's is the treatment that keeps on giving !

    Best

    Steve

    PS, I don't have trays, do you for the ORAL B  STOP gel?

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #14
    hawk711 said:

    Thanks JG

    Finally got throught the MRI, PET, biopsies.  Looks like no cancer, which is great news.  but,(always a but) it looks like I have starting to have ORN issues with left jaw.  Went to Stanford Med Center to get opinions and looks like Hyperbaric treatments are starting next week to see if that helps, and to prepare me for losing a couple teeth perhaps.

    I'll keep you posted, but this all came out of nowhere for sure.  One week all good, next week, ORN.  Rad's is the treatment that keeps on giving !

    Best

    Steve

    PS, I don't have trays, do you for the ORAL B  STOP gel?

    Awesome News...Butt..., LOL

    Hoping the best for sure...

    No trays, just brush it on, spit, don't swallow, and don't drink anything for around 30 minutes or so...

    John

  • Greg53
    Greg53 Member Posts: 849
    #15
    hawk711 said:

    Hi Greg and Hal

    OK, now I'm starting to have major issues with my teeth too.  Must be the right of passage at 3+ years after treatment.  Got swelling and separation of gum at mollars now and some minor pain.  Sounds like what you had going Hal, by your note.

    Greg, I'm going to ask for the Perio Gel from my dentist.  Is that the "brand" name? 

    Hal, Drive safely and enjoy the U. S. highways and views.

    Take care of your teeth everyone, they won't grow back if problems arise!!!

    All the best,

    Steve

    Steve

    Hi ya Steve,

    Sorry it took so long to get back to you, was outta town for a few days "Skiffening " (fishing).

    Perio-Gel is the brand name.  It is hydrogen peroxide and vibramyacin that you mix, put in trays and wear for 10-15 minutes.  It is mainly for periodontal problems.  Got my RX from my dentist upon his suggestion due to issues I was having.   

    Just a note, prior to dx at age 53 I had only 1 cavity when I was 20.  After tx ended I ended up with receding gum line and 5 cavities along with breakdown of enamel, resulting in several filings and repairs of teeth.  A friend, my dentist, researched this for me and suggested I try it.  Not pushing this product, just saying it has worked for me.  Since starting on it a year ago - no cavities and little or no dental work.   I use it in addition to the flouride.

    Good luck Bro'!!  Wishing you the best!
     
    Greg

     

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