Accelerated Dental Decay

[MaitreD]

Any info on accelerated dental decay following CLL, lymphoma and/or chemo (RCHOP, intrathecal methraxoate)?

Is this likely to be an effect of the cancer; a direct effect of the chemo; a side effect or the result of a compromised immune system?

[J_88]

How you been Scott?

[Mandy56]

I broke a tooth and my dentist did an XRay which shows decay in the roots. The dentist is convinced it is due to FCR. 🙁

[Mokhakiss]

I was diagnosed earlier this year (W&W) and have had 2 broken molars in less than a year. I do believe that there is a correlation.

[bdm0911]

I have been on Imbruvica for over 3 years and have had a tremendous amount of dental work, pain and appointments. My teeth are super sensitive and fragile... They don't say it is due to the medicine or CLL, but as far as I'm concerned, it is.

[Psmithuk]

It hadn’t occurred to me that CLL could be causing my current problems with teeth. Hmm, could be I suppose, but can’t do anything about it!

[mrsjsmith in reply to Psmithuk]

Chris,

Sadly I am sure it’s a combination of things but yes I agree I am sure that CLL and a low immune system contributes to it.

Colette x

[Psmithuk in reply to mrsjsmith]

Agreed, as it’s easy to blame every and any thing on CLL. Though a continually dry mouth won't help, either.😬

[Hoffy]

I got a tooth resorption when my CLL was on the move. I am not sure if it was related. I never had it before then though.

Be wel,

Hoffy

[clifflee]

See reply to Hazel33 today, after chemo my teeth have been terrible and it’s not neglect, I have used the same dental practice for 45 years and never missed a appointment or a treatment, my dentist says my oral hygiene is very good nevertheless I now visit him 15-20 times a year, will be going again tomorrow with an abscess under a filling done 3 weeks ago!

[J_88]

Not too bad for having CLL.

[PCara90]

I too have had dental issues following CLL and FCG/Ibrutinib treatment. My gums started to noticeably recede following my treatment.

I brush and floss faithfully but have since added a water pic to my routine. I make sure to rinse the gum line thoroughly and follow up with mouthwash. It has really helped.

[Britam]

My daughter is a dentist and when it looked like I might have to have chemo, she was concerned as she knows the teeth can be affected. She fitted me for a special mouth guard and prescribed some medicated gel (not at home to check which one) to put inside the guards which was hoped would lessen any effects. I ended up not needing chemo, and am on Imbruvica. I still have broken portions of several teeth over the last year or so, but they are "old" teeth and some had extensive fillings.

Fortunately, my daughter is an excellent dentist and has been able to fit me with crowns for the broken teeth. Before Imbruvica she even replaced a filling without any anesthetic because I did not want a shot in the area of my jaw where I had a swollen lymph node--I did not feel a thing!!

The American Dental Association has information in the link below about how cancer affects our mouth and offers suggestions.

mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topi...