Anyone had what looked like decay on upper teeth?

PJ47
PJ47 Member Posts: 376
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Been examining my mouth extensively for months now and just noticed what looks like decay on the bottom edges of my two front teeth.  Wierd.

Anyone else experience this one?

PJ

Comments

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #2
    I have dentures now....

    but I kind of remember that as my front teeth wore down, a line of brownish followed the edge of each tooth. It might just be normal wear and tear???

    p

  • PJ47
    PJ47 Member Posts: 376
    #3
    phrannie51 said:

    I have dentures now....

    but I kind of remember that as my front teeth wore down, a line of brownish followed the edge of each tooth. It might just be normal wear and tear???

    p

    Oh crap

    It is a line of brownish stuff on the bottom edge of my two front teeth.  Did not have it before the radiation.  Did you get dentures before or after the radiation?

    I will call my dentist,

    PJ

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #4
    PJ47 said:

    Oh crap

    It is a line of brownish stuff on the bottom edge of my two front teeth.  Did not have it before the radiation.  Did you get dentures before or after the radiation?

    I will call my dentist,

    PJ

    PJ

    Can't recall what my dentist called them but I had a ton of surface cavities at gum line post radiation (maybe a year out). Two on most every tooth. He did more than 15-20 fillings and they have not returned.  I think they were called root cavities. All of a sudden I noticed a couple of black dots at gum line. Thought it was food caught but it wouldn't come off. No pain and he got them all done in two visits.  

  • Bunnymom
    Bunnymom Member Posts: 212 Member
    #5
    hwt said:

    PJ

    Can't recall what my dentist called them but I had a ton of surface cavities at gum line post radiation (maybe a year out). Two on most every tooth. He did more than 15-20 fillings and they have not returned.  I think they were called root cavities. All of a sudden I noticed a couple of black dots at gum line. Thought it was food caught but it wouldn't come off. No pain and he got them all done in two visits.  

    Root Cavities

    were you using dental flouride trays when you developed the root cavities?

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #6
    Bunnymom said:

    Root Cavities

    were you using dental flouride trays when you developed the root cavities?

    Trays

    I have trays but can't recall if I was using them at that time, I don't think I was.

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,771 Member
    #7
    hwt said:

    PJ

    Can't recall what my dentist called them but I had a ton of surface cavities at gum line post radiation (maybe a year out). Two on most every tooth. He did more than 15-20 fillings and they have not returned.  I think they were called root cavities. All of a sudden I noticed a couple of black dots at gum line. Thought it was food caught but it wouldn't come off. No pain and he got them all done in two visits.  

    thanks

    Thanks for reporting in about surface cavities at the gum line. Either it does not happen often or very few report such incidents, especially such an extensive case. This info helps me slightly readjust my personal view on post tx trays. Thanks Don

  • PJ47
    PJ47 Member Posts: 376
    #8
    hwt said:

    PJ

    Can't recall what my dentist called them but I had a ton of surface cavities at gum line post radiation (maybe a year out). Two on most every tooth. He did more than 15-20 fillings and they have not returned.  I think they were called root cavities. All of a sudden I noticed a couple of black dots at gum line. Thought it was food caught but it wouldn't come off. No pain and he got them all done in two visits.  

    Hi Guys,

    Just to clarify, my brown spots are on the bottom edges of my front teeth. My gums look ok for now, but I will watch them after reading your letter.

    I can feel a ridge (erosion) that has developed.  Yikes!.  

    Got an appt. with my Dentist for tomorrow am and will keep you posted.  Most likely caused by the radiation-no saliva-decay issues.  The gift that keeps giving, right?

    We cannot slack off on tooth care one bit it appears.

    PJ 

  • ErthWlkr
    ErthWlkr Member Posts: 60
    #9
    Dental issues

    Hey PJ -

    You're correct about the lack of saliva causes problems. Saliva acts as a protectant - when saliva production is compromised, you're at risk for cavities, chipped or broken teeth, and erosion of the enamel.

    I wasn't warned about it either but rapidly found after after I started to develop cavities after my second year out of radiation. My dentist has been following up with my every 3-4 months either filling cavities or bonding my teeth where they've chipped or broken. I also have had two crowns placed.

    You need to be diligent about your teeth. Aside from regular brushing, you can also supplement with a fluoride, non-alcohol mouthwash (I use Crest Complete). I've also started using Prevident which is a prescription toothpaste high in floruide. Some in my support group also use a product called MI Paste. Others have continued to use their fluoride trays post-treatment. You should open a conversation with the dentist about this and other preventative methods.

    Since saliva production is most likely permanently compromised, strict practices to care for you teeth will be a lifelong pursuit.

    Hope this helps!

    - Jeff

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #10
    PJ, my two, top, front teeth

    PJ, my two, top, front teeth look transparent at the bottom.  its like something is missing, maybe enamel?  not sure but they don't bother me, just look bad.  i do have a cap in the back, very last tooth in the back that has been causing me pain for some reason.  i have no dental ins. so keep putting off seeing a dentist :0( and hopeing for the best.  i hope you get some answers to your problem.  let us know what the dentist says.

    dj

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #11
    ErthWlkr said:

    Dental issues

    Hey PJ -

    You're correct about the lack of saliva causes problems. Saliva acts as a protectant - when saliva production is compromised, you're at risk for cavities, chipped or broken teeth, and erosion of the enamel.

    I wasn't warned about it either but rapidly found after after I started to develop cavities after my second year out of radiation. My dentist has been following up with my every 3-4 months either filling cavities or bonding my teeth where they've chipped or broken. I also have had two crowns placed.

    You need to be diligent about your teeth. Aside from regular brushing, you can also supplement with a fluoride, non-alcohol mouthwash (I use Crest Complete). I've also started using Prevident which is a prescription toothpaste high in floruide. Some in my support group also use a product called MI Paste. Others have continued to use their fluoride trays post-treatment. You should open a conversation with the dentist about this and other preventative methods.

    Since saliva production is most likely permanently compromised, strict practices to care for you teeth will be a lifelong pursuit.

    Hope this helps!

    - Jeff

    M&I Paste

    If I am not mistaken M&I Paste is just a polishing paste. My dentist gave me some when I could not tolerate anything else. He said it was better than not using anything at all. I switched up as soon as I could tolerate some burning.

  • ErthWlkr
    ErthWlkr Member Posts: 60
    #12
    MI paste and tooth enamel

    MI paste is not just a polishing paste but is used to help protect the enamel of the teeth which tends to break down after radiation treatment due to lack of saliva. It's also known to reduce sensitivity and reducing acid levels in the mouth. I wouldn't say that this is the final answer but certainly sounds like a viable adjunct to the other ways we reduce dental risks.

    Dentists do use it for treatment and cleaning but it can be applied like a toothpaste on a daily basis. My dentist did say that the first line of prevention is fluoride. But seems like the MI paste can be an additional tool.

    It's a struggle certainly - but at least we have some options...

  • Time Bandit
    Time Bandit Member Posts: 23
    #13
    My lower three front teeth

    My lower three front teeth started to have craters with brown stains along the top edge. My dentest cleaned them out and filled them. He did a good job. Now for the lower teeh at the gum lijne, I am noticing brown stain which I believe is a result of all the iced tea I'm drinking to keep my mouth moist. Doing a brushing three times a day and it may go as far as after everything that I eat to keep them clean.

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