Mouth and Teeth Problems

creampuff91344
creampuff91344 Member Posts: 988
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hey everyone. Just needed to ask all a quick question regarding post-chemo/radiation theraphy. I have experienced teeth sensitivity (primarily on the same side of my mouth as my breast cancer). Has anyone else experienced this? The sensation is that the teeth are sensitive to hot and especially cold, and has a dull ache all of the time. The only relief is when I am asleep (which doesn't happen for long, or often enough), and as soon as I wake I am aware of the dull ache. I have been to the dentist four times in the last three months, and have discussed with my oncologist, but so far no relief. Thanks for the responses, and hope everyone has a smile on their face. Hugs.

Comments

  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #2
    Tooth sensitivity
    Did the dentist mention anything about exposed roots or thin enamel? I haven't had radiation or chemo for my breast cancer, but a few years ago I had some real problems with tooth sensitivity. I tried using the Sensidyne toothpaste you find at almost any pharmacy or Walmart. It had worked in the past, but the last time nothing seemed to help. I ended up at the dentist's. After doing some xrays to be sure that there were no cavities or structural problems, the dentist said that the roots of my teeth were slightly exposed. He told me to use a softer toothbrush and try not to brush so hard near the base of the teeth as the gums were pulling away from the tooth enamel. He also painted my teeth with some kind of shellac that hardened with a laser. That didn't feel so good at the time and I think I caved before he was really quite done. (He kept checking his progress by blowing air on the sensitive area and when I quit jumping or yelping he figured he was through. I am a real weenie when it comes to pain and quit reacting when I realized it meant more testing....) Well, anyhow, I ended back in the dentist's office a week later and the assistant painted my teeth with another compound that smelled a lot like nail polish. This time there was no laser and the tests she did didn't put me on the ceiling. I haven't had the problem since. Lots of things can cause tooth pain apparently besides cavities. I hope your problem disappears for good soon!

    C. Abbott
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #3
    Try upping your calcium...
    I found that helped ALOT. I took supplements, because the chemo rendered me lactose intollerant. Also switched to a soft toothbrush and an alcohol-free mouthwash.

    Hugs, Kathi
  • creampuff91344
    creampuff91344 Member Posts: 988
    #4
    KathiM said:

    Try upping your calcium...
    I found that helped ALOT. I took supplements, because the chemo rendered me lactose intollerant. Also switched to a soft toothbrush and an alcohol-free mouthwash.

    Hugs, Kathi

    Thanks for the information
    I have had xrays and also some peridontal work on the lower jaw, as well as complete teeth cleaning. No cavities showed in the xrays, and except for a couple of crowns that need replacing (after 15 years), there weren't any problems. He says it may be a result of the chemo or radiation, and will go away on its own. I will mention the treatment with the "nail polish" smelling paint, and see if this would do any good. Also, I am taking Calcium +D and D3 vitamins, but will up the calcium dosage just to see if anything happens. I actually feel pretty good other than the teeth, after completing chemo and radiation in August. Keep your fingers crossed that he finds a solution....upper teeth scheduled for peridontal on the 26th...then on to the crowns. What a bummer to get through with all of the bad stuff, only to have this kind of difficulty just pop up. I should have known if anyone was going to have a wierd side effect it would have been me. Oh well, I will keep you up to date on how things go. Thanks again for the help. Sending hugs your way.
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #5
    creampuff91344 said:

    Thanks for the information
    I have had xrays and also some peridontal work on the lower jaw, as well as complete teeth cleaning. No cavities showed in the xrays, and except for a couple of crowns that need replacing (after 15 years), there weren't any problems. He says it may be a result of the chemo or radiation, and will go away on its own. I will mention the treatment with the "nail polish" smelling paint, and see if this would do any good. Also, I am taking Calcium +D and D3 vitamins, but will up the calcium dosage just to see if anything happens. I actually feel pretty good other than the teeth, after completing chemo and radiation in August. Keep your fingers crossed that he finds a solution....upper teeth scheduled for peridontal on the 26th...then on to the crowns. What a bummer to get through with all of the bad stuff, only to have this kind of difficulty just pop up. I should have known if anyone was going to have a wierd side effect it would have been me. Oh well, I will keep you up to date on how things go. Thanks again for the help. Sending hugs your way.

    sensitive teeth
    I has exactly the same. Very sensitive teeth that had a low ache all the time, especially the more frontal ones. Started 2nd week after ist chemo and is still there now but to a barely noticable level, finished chemo aug 08. So maybe it will just fade away to nothing on its own, mine nearly has. Good Luck J
  • creampuff91344
    creampuff91344 Member Posts: 988
    #6
    tasha_111 said:

    sensitive teeth
    I has exactly the same. Very sensitive teeth that had a low ache all the time, especially the more frontal ones. Started 2nd week after ist chemo and is still there now but to a barely noticable level, finished chemo aug 08. So maybe it will just fade away to nothing on its own, mine nearly has. Good Luck J

    tasha, how did you find
    tasha, how did you find relief during the time your teeth were so sensitive? I have tried OraGel, and that offers some relief, but doesn't last for long. Unfortunately, sometimes the pain gets so bad that I have taken pain meds, and I know this is not something I want to do long term. Also, how long did yours last? I finished chemo in August 2008, and radiation in October. We seem to be on about the same schedule. Did you have radiation as well as chemo? Lots of questions, and hope you don't mind answering. Thanks.

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