• Registered: Mon, 16 Nov 2009
  • Posts: 23

Topic: Chemo and Dental Health

Can anyone clue me in on the effects chemo has on teeth, gums, etc.    We checked with our dentist who suggested a possible high flouride toothpaste.   However we've also been reading about cracked teeth, etc.

2 Reply by marions (edited by marions Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:52:53)

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,173

Re: Chemo and Dental Health

gtm2009.......There are several postings regarding dental health and I recall a product called Biotene.  You can find some of the postings by using the search function either, "google" on top right hand side of page or, the search function in the middle top hand page. Good luck.
Best wishes coming your way,
Marion

I just read that Pam (Cherbourg) posted some more information regarding this product.

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • Registered: Wed, 23 Dec 2009
  • Posts: 15

Re: Chemo and Dental Health

I am a dental hygienist so her is my 2 cents.
If you develop dry mouth there are a lot of options for products depending on the severity.
Biotene ( available at target) had a whole line of products that can help.
Another brand of moisturizing mouth rinse is Oasis, by the makers of sensodyne.
I like the 1st better because it has xylitol sweetener...this is proven to arrest the bacteria that causes decay also in gum or lozenges  it can stimulate saliva flow which naturally helps.
brands: xylichew, spry are usually at healthfood stores
Icebreakers gum or trident w xylitol are good too.
Act anticavity rinse cant hurt either but not the "restoring" as it has alcohol which can be drying. Let me know if I can answer any more questions.

  • Registered: Tue, 12 Jan 2010
  • Posts: 2

Re: Chemo and Dental Health

Had 9 Chemo sessions, then notice while eating, a back molar cracked.  Really belive it was due to the Chemo but it only occured on one tooth. DDS stated they had heard of Chemo causing teeth to become brittle.

  • Registered: Mon, 28 Dec 2009
  • Posts: 47

Re: Chemo and Dental Health

It is recommended to use topical flouride in trays at home during chemo treatments.  Ask your dentist for a prescription.  I'm a RDH and I have seen this many times.