Discoloured teeth

[Swimbuddy]

Has anyone had trouble with discolouration of their teeth? I have been cleaning regularly but was told to rinse with corsodyl which I think is the cause of the problem. Of course, I haven't been to a hygienist in ages as still having chemotherapy. I know this is a cosmetic thing but it is really getting me down. Any suggestions as to how I could improve them till I can go to a hygienist?

[Jud15]

Corsedyl will discolour teeth, you need to use it when you haven't been using toothpaste if that makes sense. So not directly after you've cleaned your teeth. I was told this years ago by my dentist. Hope that helps, Judith

[Swimbuddy in reply to Jud15]

Hi Judith. That is a really useful piece of advice. I will try that. Many thanks. Jo

[Mintybiscuit]

Hi Swimbuddy, yes Corsodyl does discolour your teeth. I think there are alternatives which don’t. Perhaps it depends what you are using it for. Gengigel does not discolour teeth. I have used that in the past for sore gums. Your dentist/hygienist will know more.

[Swimbuddy in reply to Mintybiscuit]

Thank you. I'll look into that x

[bamboo89]

Jud15 is right about not using Corsodyl just after toothpaste when you're cleaning your teeth - my dentist told me to leave a minimum of half an hour, preferably an hour, between using the two things because one cancels out the other in terms of antibacterial action. And yes, Corsodyl does discolour your teeth, not a good idea to use it all the time - as far as I'm concerned, its emergency use only, and then only if I've got an abscess, oral thrush or actual gum infection, because Corsodyl irritates my mouth even if I'm not on chemo. Now you've got discoloration I don't think there's much you can do while on chemo - some of the whitening toothpastes help, but they're a bit harsh for use during treatment. I did not use commercial mouthwashes during chemo, I made up my own mouth rinse from a 'recipe' I found on an Australian oncology website, which was quarter teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, mixed in warm water - this can be used any time as well as immediately after toothpaste and I found it soothing and effective, though not exactly pleasant tasting. Bit late to tell you that now, but maybe you can at least switch to that and stop the Corsodyl. I must say I was very surprised when I was given Corsodyl as a mouthwash by oncology, given its harshness - the first lot of chemo I was given something else, can't remember its name, might have been diflucam, but any alcohol free mouthwash would be better than Corsodyl.

[Swimbuddy in reply to bamboo89]

Thanks for all that information. I wish I had known about this from the start. I was told to use it four times a day.

[Trickysite]

Yes, corsodyl will discolour teeth. I was using it all the time as a preventative but was told later I should only use it when I actually had mouth ulcers. Olaparib also discoloured my teeth. One month after stopping Olaparib, my pearly whites were back again all by themselves, without the intervention of a hygienist. I was really shocked (with pleasure).

I had thought the discolouration was due to the Spatone iron I drink every day because that is said to discolour teeth, but I am still taking that but my pearly whites are doing well.

[Swimbuddy in reply to Trickysite]

That's really interesting. I would love that to happen but I don't think it will. Glad you have your pearly whites again!

[Oaklake]

Hi, I was told by a nurse that Corsodyl will stain teeth and to use a whitening toothpaste. It discoloured my teeth after a couple of days… not sure how to avoid this. I think not drinking tea/ coffee soon after helps reduce the staining a little.. I’m hoping the stains will fade with toothpaste and or a visit to the hygienist at some point!

[Swimbuddy in reply to Oaklake]

Thanks for that. It's such a nuisance we can't see a hygienist while having chemotherapy

[thejoannabell]

I had this problem and I just dealt with it until treatment was over and with one use of crest white strips they were back to normal. Also, Whenever I have to use it I tilt my head back while swishing and try to avoid my front teeth, and then put some on a qtip on my gums in the front. That’s probably not approved protocol though 🫣

[Swimbuddy in reply to thejoannabell]

Thanks for that. It's annoying that all the stain is on the front teeth. Oh if only I could turn back time!

[Trickysite]

Yup, all my staining was on my front teeth, especially lower set. For me, it was definitely the Olaparib wot done it. I am an absolute stickler for brushing, flossing, etc. my teeth and tend to brush 3 times a day, which is probably too much. My dentist always comments on how clean (from a tartar point of view) my teeth are. But that did not prevent the brown staining.

As I mentioned, one month off Olaparib and, hey presto, all brown staining gone. I hope the same applies to you, Swimbuddy. Emma x