Teeth and tx

[HelloKelle]

Hey guys, does anyone feel like their teeth are being affected by tx somehow? Suddenly, my teeth feel like they're sensitive and if I drink a soda or something sugary it feels like it just lays on top of my teeth. Yesterday, my teeth were actually hurting!

[meki]

Yes...

I've had more teeth decay issues since TX - and actually had to have one tooth pulled because of infection.

So - yeah --- I'm in for some reconstruction work - in fact - FRIDAY is dentist cleaning and "mapping out the torture plan" for me.

Aggggggg.

LOL!

Good luck... No sugary stuff...

Meki

[medicmommy]

Yah, weird, huh? I'm in week #9 now and have had intermittent tooth "pressure" sensitivity...Like the tooth nerves are hypersensitive...I just got the shrug from the dentist who advised that I may have "thin enamel" and to avoid extreme food temps (duh!) ...and to come back if I developed any gum problems...So, still left with a ? on that one...

[nygirl7]

Teeth decay is a major setback of treatment (the interferon).  This week I am having two removed and it will take me years to get back good dental health. I've always had bad teeth but while I was treating it really ate them all away from the inside out it feels.

[dorsey15]

WOW!  I was too embarressed to post this question! Thank you for doing so...
My teeth have been hurting for the past 3 weeks now..I just did my 14 th shot!  
So I'm not losing my mind!! It's especially sensitive in the front upper teeth..
I'm on pegasis/ribo treatment...
So go figure...
Thanks for posting the question...
Dorsey

[comeagain]

Yea I got it to, supersensitive sensation on surface had it since start of tx 15weeks ago.
Also got some regular tothpains feeling but not quite.
The pain comes and goes thank God.
Also dropped a filling yesterday and four fillings between my first and this tx a 10months period.

[Isobella]

I feel like an amatuer saying this as y'all have started or finished treatment and I haven't started yet, so please forgive if I am repeating things you have already tried.

I spoke to my dentist last week in prep for starting tx and he suggested using Sensodyne for that sensative feeling as needed.  I have used it in the past and it really works, but is expensive-$7-something a tube, but well worth it.

And to use one of the newer flouride mouth rinses. There are some new enamel enhancing rinses/toothpastes on the market. Not Listerine-which y'all probably know better than me, but has alcohol and can irritate.

For anyone, like me, that hasn't started tx yet, he suggested having a flouride treatment in the office before starting.

Anything to build up enamel.

I am sure tho, that I will be shy one back right molar when this is all over with.  I just am not willing to give up on it yet!!

Good luck all-
Izzy

[GSDgirl]

I just saw my dentist for a few minutes to see about new retainers, had braces 5 years ago.  After the braces came off I got 2 bridges.  About a month ago I I bit down on some nice crusty Italian bread and it felt like one of the bridges crunched.  It now hurts when I eating anything, especially hot or cold.   Soooooo when I talked to her she was shocked that I hadn't been in, made me an appt for the 28th.  All I know is that I am NOT getting it replaced.  The dentist is one of those types of pain that I just can not handle.....common' nitris!!   Didn't loose any fillings and am dreading the cleaning with the sensitive teeth, I think braces make them sensitive to begin with.

Denise

[toughluck]

I thought the teeth would get it also, I will be starting TX soon is there anything it doesn't ruin. I talked to a Oral Surgeon who is a customer of mine he said use the Sensodyne by brushing and by applying it to your teeth with your finger rubbing your gums and teeth let it set a while then rinse. Also use a rinse like ACT, which is loaded with fluoride to help also. Hope this will help

[hippygem]

People with HCV will generally have teeth problems, they decay quicker than normal even without treatment.

[susan400]

I've had many treatments for the Hep.  My teeth are still great, but my gums have had quite a bit of recession and sensitivity.  I'm currently off of treatment (almost 10 mon.- as of May) and I still have sensitivity issues.  I just went through a deep cleaning treatment at the dentist's office.  Last Thurs. they did right side and yesterday did the left side.  They've scheduled me in July to come in and have some 'filling' like stuff put in around the root to help where the recession has gotten so bad.  Supposedly this stuff is tooth colored.  Interesting though, I have no cavities and I've lost no teeth.  I had sealants in my teeth several years ago and exellent dental care as a child w/braces and such, so that may have helped.  Also, I now use ACT fluoride rinse.  I've found that the diet coke I was drinking once a day seemed to aggravate the sensitivity so I've given that up except for an occasional one when I'm out to eat somewhere at lunch time.  I can't drink regular coke anymore because it's too sweet for me.

Susan

[cityman8382]

I got a good laugh out of your post. Truely, is there anything tx doesn't mess with. Three weeks ago I lost a back tooth and got so infected from it I missed work for a week. Had a terible time getting on the other side of that one. Whats next??? My hearing is already lousy so it can't ruin that at least.

Cityman

[gazebo1]

TX is well known to contribute to gum disease and tooth decay as the imune system is taxed and won't fight off bacteria and enzymes form causing more problems.  I have had 2 root canals and 3 extracted in the 6 months since last shot - and hopefully the new denture/plate will keep me going for awhile.  My dentist did say that using the "regenerating" forms of mouthwash with extra flouride can be helpful keeping teeth strong and couteract the effects of INF.
Regards, Judy

[glucklich]

4 root canals and counting..I think I will try the mouth wash gazebo1 reccomends. As long as it is not made in China

[Frank J. Perrotta]

Had a root canal before treatment and it disintegrated during treatment.

Dentist expected it to last years and was shocked that just fell apart???

[HelloKelle]

Thanks you guys, you're all so great. but DAMN the inf !  Haven't I got enough problems already? Do I have to be sick AND bald AND toothless AND fat.  Wow!!

(I'm not losing hair - yet)

[beatrice57]

I have lost one tooth and almost a second one during treatment - but I lost considerable weight (14kg...) and hair - the hair and the weight (almost)  came back after treatment but unfortunately not the teeth...
if you get healthy you'll get over those things  - good luck béatrice

[Mr Liver]

The primary source of dental problems as a result of tx has been linked to reduced saliva flow. The reduction of saliva upsets the ph balance in the mouth allowing bacteria to grow at a much higher rate. This in turn leads to cavities. There are some remedies OTC, and for more serious cases there are some medicines.

Many of us are at the age when dental problems become more common with or without HCV. Fillings need replacing, gum recession exposes more roots causing sensitivity issues, bridges may need adjusting, etc,etc. However, there seems to be little doubt, according to my dentist, that IFN therapy increases the incidence of caries in those patients.

I used a product that was a ph-balanced saliva replacement liquid dispensed under pressure. I referred to it by the somewhat unpleasant description of 'spit in a can'. I can't recall the real name. I never knew such a thing even existed before and I'm glad I found out about it when I was on tx. It kept my mouth moist much longer than water ever could as well.

[HelloKelle]

Thanks Mr. Liver and everyone. Looks like I'm out to get some ACT and hunt down spit in a can. (yuck)

[sfwandwow]

i hate that tooth decay i think i will get mind pulled and get dentures fully..then no more pain what so ever..

[pjhep80]

had to have four teeth pulled about a year or so after tx...

my teeth were never very strong to begin with and i think tx weakened them even further...

[Mr Liver]

I think the real brand name I used was Salivart. I've noticed there were other brands--I don't even recall why I chose this one over the others. It's been awhile. Anyway, it wasn't bad at all, and you learned to like it even more when your mouth stays moist longer and with the right ph.

regards

[FlGuy]

This concept refers to Mr. Liver's concept about Saliva Depletion Syndrome and the need to replenish and enhance saliva flow and the accompanying ph levels. For a long time, people who anticipate surgery have been able to 'bank' their own blood in anticipation of the units that might be required for an upcoming procedue.  So, why can't a person who is anticipating TX also build up a 'bank' of saliva for use during the long months of treatment?  I'm thinking that a well-cleaned mayonaise jar in the refrigerator may do the trick.  Just need to remember to make daily deposits.  And for those who keep a jar of cooking grease in the fridge, consider labeling the jars.  For those who enjoy a pinch between the cheek and gums, forget the labeling - it doesn't matter.

[HelloKelle]

EWW!

[meki]

Ucky spit jar idea...

FL - you just gave me the heebie jeebies... I'm still shivering and my skin is crawling...

I visited the dentist --- ahem - nicest guy ever to run a torture gallery.

Anyhow... He told me it is common for chemotherapy patients of HCV and Cancer and HIV to have issues with their teeth after treatments.

He said I have beautiful teeth - but I will need 3 cavities filled - and I had a tooth pulled during TX - that I will get a bridge or an implant (I'm all for the bridge --- I don't want ANY MORE SURGERIES... I've had enough.)

And I need a crown for a tooth that cracked and is broken.

So to the tune of something like 5 thousand bucks I'll be back to normal. LMAO!

And that's AFTER insurance.

Egads --- I'm thinking --- maybe the hubby WOULD like it better if I got dentures.

ROFLMAO!


Meki

[HelloKelle]

You bad girl.  hee hee

:::spank:::