A BIG concern

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Army_Guy
Army_Guy Member Posts: 53
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I am very concerned about Osteo radio necrosis. Doctors and dentist warned me and prescribed flossing/brushing after every meal as well as fluoride trays/treatment daily and believe me I am anal about complying (I guess after 25 years in the Army following orders is in my DNA). I started the routine 2 weeks before my first radiation treatment and have never missed a single fluoride tray treatment (even thru an oral fungal infection). So I was always concerned but I got curious one day and read up on it on both the NIH and Mayo Clinic website. Now I am really concerned. Intellectually I know it will probably be okay if I continue to comply, but emotionally I worry if I finish a meal and don't floss and brush within 30 minutes. This will surely put a damper on evenings out with my wife unless I carry floss and a toothbrush with me; of course then I worry about doing this in a public restroom. Anyone else as concerned as I am?

I'm open to suggestions. Thanks,

Dave

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  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #2
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    Del
    Delnative and Scam know how best to advise you, Dave. Certainly not I.

    My mouth, like many others, here, took a major hit during treatment. What I had thought was a continuation of gum loss proved to be nothing more than a reduction of swelling that revealed the real gum loss of treatment. And, then there's the teeth: I have an 11/1 appointment at the U of Iowa hospital (not the dental college, there) to have their top dental Dr. do an evaluation. It's been a nightly brushing with Prevident, AM brushing with Crest Total, and Biotene during the workday, but my only teeth that aren't disintegrating are the crowns and bridge, it seems. Hope things are better with you.

    kcass
  • debbij
    debbij Member Posts: 22
    #3
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    Kent Cass said:

    Del
    Delnative and Scam know how best to advise you, Dave. Certainly not I.

    My mouth, like many others, here, took a major hit during treatment. What I had thought was a continuation of gum loss proved to be nothing more than a reduction of swelling that revealed the real gum loss of treatment. And, then there's the teeth: I have an 11/1 appointment at the U of Iowa hospital (not the dental college, there) to have their top dental Dr. do an evaluation. It's been a nightly brushing with Prevident, AM brushing with Crest Total, and Biotene during the workday, but my only teeth that aren't disintegrating are the crowns and bridge, it seems. Hope things are better with you.

    kcass

    the one thing i can say..is
    the one thing i can say..is stay hydrated...chew gum, suck on hard candy...you have to stimulate your salivary glands

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