Bleending gums

[lilica955]

Hi everyone,

I have big problems with bleending gums! I'm on ibrutinib about 6 weeks. Any advice or opinion will be appreciated!

Best wishes ,

Lilica

[cajunjeff]

Bleeding gums is usually associated with some underlying periodontal disease. It certainly could be exacerbated by ibrutinib.

I would ask my Cll doctor if he recommends an evaluation by a periodontist, and if so, be sure to tell the periodontist about your Cll and the fact you are on a Cll medicine known to cause bleeding.

I would not think Ibrutinib would cause spontaneous bleeding in perfectly healthy gums, I do not know that for sure. But I do know that many people, particularly older people, have some degree of gum disease, whether they know it or not.

The main treatment for gum disease is regular cleaning of the teeth and gums by a professional. I have my teeth cleaned every four months now, paying the price for not doing regular teeth cleanings in my younger years.

There could be other causes so you need to talk to your doctor, but gum disease would be the first thing I would think of as being involved.

[lilica955 in reply to cajunjeff]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply! I have my professional teeth cleaned 2 months ago,but,could be possible to have a periodontal problem! I'll check with periodontist.

[BookLovah20]

I have also had issues with bleeding gums since beginning Ibrutinib in August. Having low platelet levels exacerbated it and I ended up getting a transfusion which certainly helped. I began rinsing with an oral rinse called Biotene which has also been soothing and more of a preventative of gum bleeds.

[lilica955 in reply to BookLovah20]

Thank you for your reply ! Regards!

[SofiaDeo]

Consider an air or water flosser, if you are heavy handed with the regular dental floss like me. My water one is a refillable hand held, i had trouble with those attached to a larger water supply where I had to stay crouched over the sink to use! I travel with the air one, less mess. I generally dislike flossing so having the 2 gives me some variety as well as "one more thing in my life I have control over!" Lololol its funny how some of the little things we have control over comfort us. And if you're not using an extremely soft toothbrush, consider that. Even if you need to switch to a baby toothbrush (extremely soft bristles)

[lilica955 in reply to SofiaDeo]

Thank you Sofia Deo! Ihave an Waterpick water flosser.All the best

[mrsjsmith]

Lilica,I doubt it is the Ibrutinib.

When I was first diagnosed my practice manager recommended seeing the hygienist every three months and to only have my teeth hand scaled. I use the teepee brushes between gaps and an electric toothbrush.

I hope it clears up.

Colette

[lilica955 in reply to mrsjsmith]

Thank you very much for your answer! I'll try it.

[DisneyMom]

I don't know about ibrutinib, but I know that low platelets have made my gums bleed.

[lilica955 in reply to DisneyMom]

Thank you,Disney Mom! I check my blood count next week! All the best !

[SofiaDeo in reply to DisneyMom]

That's true, it may be the "ibrutinib contributing to low platelets" as opposed to ibrutinib itself.

[Adlucy in reply to SofiaDeo]

I have had problems with my gums since having had children forty years ago. I was told that my saliva produces a lot of plaque so I see a hygienist monthly at great cost. My dentist does not recommend electric toothbrushes for gum problems but a very soft one made by a company called Curaprox. She also recommends a mouthwash called Curaspet for Implants (whether or not you have had them). Years ago I taught a dentist who recommended using hydroperoxide and warm water as a mouth wash but it is impossible to buy it over the counter nowadays i think because of the bomb attacks.

[lilica955 in reply to Adlucy]

Thanks for your reply! Regards!

[Pussycatdol]

I had dreadful trouble with bleeding gums during the first few months on Ibrutinib. I got a soft brush head for my electric toothbrush as previously mentioned. I was told not to floss or use teepee brushes but use a water jet. Once the Ibrutinib started working my gums have improved. I hope yours will too.

[lilica955 in reply to Pussycatdol]

Thanks again for your advice! Best wishes!