Dental Issues with Hydroxy Use?

[FlannelPJs]

I have been taking hydroxyurea (500mg 3 times a week) since November 2023. I have recently heard that it can cause dental issues such as bleeding/ receding gums, tooth breakage/ loss, and tooth discoloration. This is not something that I was warned about and I am curious if anyone on this forum can speak to that.

[Joetcalr]

Hi, I’m on hydroxy also, currently 500 mg x7 a week for the last eight years with a break of 18 months on interferon.

On hydroxy my teeth are getting worse, the dentist has given me high fluoride toothpaste on prescription, I have a lot of tooth pain all round my mouth with hot or cold, tho no teeth need filling, also I noticed that my hair is much thinner on the hydroxy, and went really thick on Pegasus. Cheers Jo

[Fernsong]

Hi, I have been taking hydroxyurea (2 x 500mg per day) for four years after being diagnosed with ET. I had a few mouth ulcers to begin with but since then my gums have receded at an alarming rate (they had receded a bit before the diagnosis) and I have had numerous loose teeth. Two have finally fallen out and there are currently three more at varying stages of 'looseness'. The doctors swear blind that it has nothing to do with the drug and is all about aging (I'm 70) but I just don't go along with that. I believe it's all about researches that have been carried out not revealing many of the drug/ET side effects for obvious reasons.

Having said that, MPNs affect everyone differently (as has been proven without doubt in this forum) so this is just my own spin on the reasons for the acceleration in the deterioration of my general health since diagnosis.

I hope this helps.

[lizzieET in reply to Fernsong]

My experience is similiar. On Hydroxy for 10 years, a few mouth ulcers now and then but gums are main problem. Receding gums, bleeding gums despite excellent dental hygiene and routines and loose teeth. I see my hygienist every 3 months and she says she doesn't have any other patient with a diagnosed MPN or anyone on hydroxy. Dental hygiene visits make a massive difference but of course has a cost attached to it. Her advice and rigour has definitely slowed it down, but my gums are definitely impacted.

Although it's not great news, it's good to know others have the same experience.

[Loubprv Volunteer]

morning! Well I shall be a breath of positivity in a sea of uncertainty. I’ve been taking 1000mgs daily of HU for 15 years. I did have slight issues with bleeding gums, but on the advice of my dentist I floss with tpees twice a day to strengthen gums , then use an electric toothbrush for 10 minutes.

I use sensodyne protect and repair to clean, then a blob of Colgate extra sensitive which I Swiss round my teeth and DONT rinse. I’m 70 and still have loads of hair and teeth with no issues.

Why not seek the advice of your dentist and hygienist?

I wouldn’t worry if I were you. Remember more folk with issues and worries will post on this site than the opposite!

Best wishes Louise

[FlannelPJs in reply to Loubprv]

thank you! I needed a breath of positivity! I do appreciate the points all have made.

[Exeter21]

As soon as I was on peg interferon 6 months my teeth gums improved & my hair thickness . The Drs always say it’s not the but it’s not a miracle either 😂

Definitely drug related. . Julia 👍

[Buttercup191]

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one! I suffer with mouth users, I had a tooth that broke in half and my last visit to my dentist is that my two front teeth are nearly out due to receding gums! I brush twice a day and mouth wash and visit my dentist every 3 months just to make sure. After reading this I can put my mind at rest knowing I'm not the only one thinking it's my Hydroxycarbamide as I had no problems before I started taking it. Thank you for sharing.

[MsLadyAnello]

I haven't had a gum problem but my teeth turned brown. The dentist was able to correct it, thank goodness.

[goldenvision]

I agree with LOUBPRV Louise,

Out of thousands a minority will complain but it is not representative of all.

I have been taking HU for 22 years without any dental issues. As stated it affects people in different ways and is obviously not a nice drug. I am 72 and often think if others my age have similar general health problems or is it the ET/Hydroxy

[Alfiesarah]

Hi I was diagnosed Oct 21 ET and on 1000mg daily, platelets 10 days ago 419. I have always struggled with hydroxy but my consultant dismisses my concerns with awful side effects..one of them dental..painful mouth sores, ulcers, bleeding and receding gums. I have lost 8 teeth since diagnosis and have a very loose back tooth, removal imminent! Just after Christmas I had gum infection and lip fungal infection and given 2 lots of antibiotics..dentist confirmedit was due to hydroxy. Most days I am extremely tired, thankfully work only three full days pw now. Like others have said, everyone is different, hopefully side effects you're experiencing will ease.Take care

[Loubprv Volunteer in reply to Alfiesarah]

gosh. Have you thought of asking your haemo for another drug. If he/she isn’t complicit - change your haematologist. HU suits me at the mo, but I wouldn’t put up with all that.

[dogsandhorses]

I have had several bouts of mucositis as a result of Hydroxyurea. They call it "chemo mouth". My hematologist didn't know what it was! She certainly should have. I had to go to an oral surgeon who recognized what it was, and prescribed a steroid mouth rinse which I use as needed. Google chemo mouth for more information.

[FlannelPJs in reply to dogsandhorses]

Thank you!

[JustKeepSw1mming]

FlannelPJs, Thank you for your post!

Hi all,

I have an issue with receding gums as well, and I am convinced it got a lot worse since I started taking Hydrea.

My dentist suggested Sensodyne, but that is it. Has anybody had any other advice on how to prevent or slow it down?

Thank you