Tooth sensitivity, 2 1/2 months.

Has anyone else experienced sudden tooth sensitivity to cold after being on treatment? I never had it before now, and I have no problems with my teeth (cavities etc.) Is it a side effect? Could it be my teeth are getting unhealthy from treatment?

[lat36]

I visited a dentist for a general checkup 10 months through treatment, she said my teeth were showing problems with decalcification, which she attributed to the interferon and ribavirin. She's familiar with such drugs, was previously a hospital dentist treating cancer patients. Been given a high fluoride mouthwash to strengthen them, she said it would have been better if I'd seen her sooner.
I tend to believe her, I tried to take good care of my teeth while on tx, but another problem is that the dry mouth riba tended to give me, lack of saliva helped cavities form, cost me a couple of fillings in the end. Keep up the dentist visits and tell them about the tx, was also told sugar free gum would help. Good luck with treatment.

[amommy]

Hi,
I can't remember exactly how long after starting treatment my teeth problems started, but I think it was about a month or so.  I have ALWAYS had great teeth, with only a few very small surface cavities.  Almost instantly, I had several HUGE cavities, nearing root canal proportions and all kinds of other teeth issues. There is no doubt in my mind it was caused because of the treatment.  I am sure I would have had these problems eventually, but I believe it wouldn't have been for a long time and it wouldn't have been all at once.  I am now about 6 weeks or so post treatment and I am still having teeth issues, but not quite like before.  It is really a bummer!  I hope that it is nothing serious and you are able to get things fixed up quickly!

[goldyn]

hows everything goin wh ere are you in your post tx pcrs, is your hair coming back? and how do you feel, just did 29/48, be glad when summer heat stops sizzelin!!

[lilmoma]

Constantly! I must brush my teeth 50 times a day. I may not have any enamel left by the time tx is over!!
brushing them seems to ease that feeling though.

[susan400]

I think it could be.  I also think that the treatment made me to starting grinding my teeth in the middle of the night while I'm sleeping because in the morning I've had pain that is in my jaws and along where the TMJ area is.  Although I've never been diagnosed with TMJ, I've heard it described.  And sometimes certain teeth hurt more when I bite down.  I've kept up with my dental visits and I had no cavities.  Soooo....

Susan