Tooth health

I went to see my dentist yesterday and despite never had fillings since my teens, I now have to have three which is maddening. There are small dents on the enamel so my dentist is going to apply some acid and wash with water then build the teeth up again. She told me that there are certain illnesses which have an effect on the teeth and said that I should see the hygienist every three months from now on. I'm not on chemo at the moment. Does anyone know the exact cause? Is it the cancer or did the chemo cause the problem? Thanks all for your help and support. xx

[Hidden]

I'm not sure but I think it's the chemo that can cause the problems. My dentist gave me Durophat toothpaste which is high in fluoride while I was on chemo and I've used Sensodyne Pronamel for a good while.

If you haven't had work done since your teens it sounds like at least you're starting from a good place and I hope the treatment sorts you out.

Linda xx

[harley]

My teeth have paid the price of chemo, falling apart, receeding gums etc, I did ask my dentist if he couldnt take them all out and give me a set of falsies - the answer was an emphatic "No". Should dental costs not be picked up by the NHS when chemo is involved like it is when you are pregnant and for a year afterwards.

???

Joanna

xx

[Whippit]

Dear Tina

I had similar advice from my dentist - to have 3 monthly dental hygiene visits because enzymes would cause greater build-up of plaque.

I also asked about having my teeth whitened and was told to do this BEFORE chemotherapy because it couldn't be done during or for a while afterwards.

I didn't pay for a recent eye-check or dental check. I think it's because I've arrived at 60 years old. Perhaps it's different in England and Scotland. I think Joanna's right to question whether there should be exceptions for dental costs. I feel rather strongly that someone should be looking at the age one can claim a state pension. The age bracket is rising because statistically we're living longer - but for those of us who won't I think there should be some way of claiming a modest portion back of what we've put in over the years. My pension will start at 62 1/2. Going on the stats I only have a 10 - 15% chance of achieving this age. It seems very unfair.

Perhaps it's another thing to lobby about. xxxx Annie

[Hidden]

I totally agree with you Annie. I have thought about the pension too and for these circumstances, it would be nice to get some of it now. I felt outraged when I realised that my husband would only get half of the state Additional Pension which I'd paid into and which added to pennies if he transferred my entitlement to him. Meanwhile, because I can't retire until 66, the main pension and half the State Additional Pension will go back into the State pot. About my teeth, I had no idea that chemotherapy would leave me vulnerable. When I registered with my new dentist, I filled out a questionnaire and one of the questions was, 'Do you expect to keep your teeth for life?' I was sad answering it, but i answered yes. I had my check up with no problems and was told that instead of 6 monthly check ups, I could go for a whole year which i was pleased about only to find that my teeth had receded and eroded. It's maddening that this kind of thing isn't spelt out so instead of my nurse saying that I could use washes for a dry mouth, it would have been better to have said my teeth might erode so I should get advise from my dentist before, during and after chemotherapy. I actually need things spelling out to me. So, Joanna, I think you're totally right too and, Linda, I'll ask my dentist about prescribing Durophat when I have the enamel sorted out. Thanks again all... xxx

[Lily-Anne]

I was told by the oncologist that my teeth would suffer, chemo and surgical menopause to mess up the system. My teeth have never been great but my front tooth has got to come out, and another tooth, so denture for me, have got two teeth missing near the front that were crowns but they said the roots are crumbling now, but dentists won't do it have to go to the dental hospital.

I think dental work should be included for sure. I don't qualify for benefits while off work, so no idea where the money will come from, but need front tooth before I stand in front of a class of 26 adults after Easter - however, waiting list 14 weeks!

LA xx

[ChrisH]

I've been lucky enough to have no problems with my teeth. In fact, I still have two milk teeth hanging on by a thread! When I saw my hygienist, she said to try to go when I was feeling well enough, and my dentist gave me the thumbs up, nothing to worry about. This was despite having to put my check up back by a good 3 months! So far, no one has suggested to me that my teeth could be affected by the chemo etc.

After my first treatment, I had an early eye check, as my optitan felt that any changes could be accelerated due to illness, or treatment. Again though, there was no change in my eyesight. I do agree that we should get free eye and dental checks in the same way we get free prescriptions!

Chris

[Wiganw]

Hi ladies

I was very glad to read this blog. I am currently sitting here with toothache. During my first line chemo I had a tooth crack. Delaying my chemo for a week. A second one had a bit fall off eating a cream cracker, not the hardest item. This was two weeks before starting chemo for second time. At time thought thank god it's before chemo starts so was able to get sorted before.

However I think clamps used have upset or cracked another tooth. Blood counts low at moment so already had chemo delayed for second time so not looking forward to telling nurse I now have toothache. At least I know it is likely to be chemo no one had mentioned this as a potential problem

Thanks ladies

[HWIOM]

I think it may also sometimes be hormone related. I had 'perfect' teeth (no fillings at all) until I was pregnant with my daughter when my teeth basically all fell to pieces and I ended up with a crown and almost every tooth filled. But then they were OK for years, but now I have had a hysterectomy and then chemo another two teeth have crumbled. I'm waiting a bit longer before getting them fixed (my dentist did me a great temporary crown just made from the stuff they use for white fillings) partly to be longer out of chemo, but mainly to save up!

[Hidden]

My teeth are falling apart as well, but may be because the fillings are getting old,,,,, my dentist won't do any treatment while on chemo, and wouldn't let me see the hygienist either as she may draw blood and introduce infection. I am now waiting to have a least two, possibly three fillings when I get back home. My previous dentist had no problems with doing fillings or the hygienist, but new younger people don't seem to want to take the risk!