CLL and Tooth Decay

[Nutcake]

Has anyone ever had tooth decay due to neutropenia and/or low immunoglobulins?

Thanks!

[AussieNeil Administrator]

I've been neutropenic over 7 years and my immunoglobulins have been below normal for 5 years or more and I've had one filling repaired in that time and no new cavities.

Our mouths are obviously a prime route of bacteria into our bodies; hence the large amount of protective lymphatic tissue around our throat - namely our tonsils, adenoids and lymph nodes. Tooth decay is caused by acids produced by bacteria dissolving dental enamel, so removing food traces after a meal is our prime means of reducing the risk of tooth decay. With our increased risk of infection during any dental procedure, prevention is by far the best approach! That goes for the food you eat too - we need to avoid foods naturally high in bacteria: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

With severe neutropenia, you need to be very careful with your dental hygiene - only use a soft tooth brush to avoid the risk of causing scratches that can open up a route for bacterial infection of your blood stream - which can result in neutropenic sepsis, a very dangerous acute infection with a high fatality rate if not promptly brought under control.

Likewise you shouldn't floss your teeth if you are sufficiently neutropenic, due to the risk of giving bacteria entry into your blood stream by cutting your gums. I was told to stop flossing my teeth by my haematologist specialist when I was diagnosed and have only flossed my teeth when I'm stage 3 neutropenic or better (ANC >0.5). My specialist has prescribed a prophylactic antibiotic I take before any dental procedure - so you should check if your specialist considers whether you need that prophylactic cover too.

Neil

[Nutcake in reply to AussieNeil]

Thanks for your answer, Neil. I have had some dental problems recently and have never had such problems. I was in and out of hospital with infections eg, UTI's, pneumonia, up until last year, and got out of whack with my regular six-month check-ups.

We think it is probably dry mouth brought on by my medications. I have MS, and I do take many meds to manage my symptoms. But who knew? I have since found out that my father and aunt had the same condition. Back to learning the hard way, as usual. Being ever so diligent and routinely use Biotene.

Dottie