Chemotherapy and braces
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Chemotherapy and braces
Has anyone had any experience dealing with chemotherapy treatments and braces? I start chemo on Thursday after being diagnosed with breast cancer in July. I'll be sucking on ice chips during the treatment so that the drugs are less likely to go to my mouth. I've read that it can cause mouth sores and our reliable salt water rinse is the biggest ease in comfort for that. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd appreciate them!
Saibass
Saibass
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- Posts: 288
- Joined: Mon May 23, 2005 10:41 pm
- Location: Clackamas, Oregon
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My prayers for you that you wil have an easy time of your chemo treatments. I found a website you might want to visit. I know there are many different types of chemo and each person's experience is different. The best advice I found on this site was to go visit a dentist before if you have time.
http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/O ... Mouth.cvsp
Please let us all know how things go!
http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/O ... Mouth.cvsp
Please let us all know how things go!
Braced on 8/05 - Braces off 12/06
Mid Forties!
Mid Forties!
saibass, I also wanted to send you my best wishes and hope that your chemotherapy goes well.
You may want to call your orthodontist and ask if s/he has any suggestions.
ssfw
You may want to call your orthodontist and ask if s/he has any suggestions.
ssfw
Quad-Helix expander: 1/20/06 - 1/16/07
Upper braces: 5/19/06; lower braces: 9/7/06
Braces removed: 8/19/08
Received retainer: 8/26/08 - wearing retainer 24 hours/day
Next appt.: 11/18/08
Upper braces: 5/19/06; lower braces: 9/7/06
Braces removed: 8/19/08
Received retainer: 8/26/08 - wearing retainer 24 hours/day
Next appt.: 11/18/08
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- Joined: Wed Apr 12, 2006 8:32 am
- Location: Canada
Re: Chemotherapy and braces
Try and get in to see your Dentist to get a baseline before you start chemo. If you call the office tell them what is going on and I am sure they will find a way to fit you in.Has anyone had any experience dealing with chemotherapy treatments and braces? I start chemo on Thursday after being diagnosed with breast cancer in July. I'll be sucking on ice chips during the treatment so that the drugs are less likely to go to my mouth. I've read that it can cause mouth sores and our reliable salt water rinse is the biggest ease in comfort for that. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd appreciate them!
Saibass
Mouth sores, dry mouth, and inflammation are common side effects. They often cause rampant decay (lotsa cavities) so it is important to keep an eye on your mouth. Do not use any alcohol based rinses as they will dry your mouth more. Suck on ice chips if you feel dry and make sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids. Sugar free gum or candy is good, if you can chew anything with Xylitol that will offer a little extra protection. Rinse with a small mixture of baking soda, salt, and water if you have any ulcerations. And make sure you use a fluoride toothpaste and floss really well. Most dentist's will write you a script for a rinse, I would recommend PreviDent. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. If you have any specific questions on what to expect feel free to PM or Email me.
Best,
Rory
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- Posts: 14
- Joined: Thu Jul 27, 2006 12:11 pm
My aunt didnt have braces when she was going through chemo, but she did have mouth ulsers and the usual inflammation. Like others have said, baking soda rinses and salt water were most effective. I think the rinse that Rory was mentioning would be a good idea because the truth is, when you feel so rough from the treatment, the last thing you worry about is flossing and sometimes even brushing is too painful because of sores. Everyone is different and I hope that you will have lots of strength and energy throughout treatment. How many chemo sessions do you need? Would it be worth taking the braces off and wearing a bonded retainer for a while and resuming treatment afterwards? The only reason I suggest this is that we have enough sores with braces and no chemo. It might feel like a bit much all together.
Wishing you strength and healthiness ! Best wishes for your recovery!
Wishing you strength and healthiness ! Best wishes for your recovery!
Hi Saibass,
I am sending my best wishes and support to you. I recommend salt water rinses to keep the mouth ulcers at bay. Can your ortho recommend anything else?
Stay positive and strong and I wish you a healthy recovery.
Julie
I am sending my best wishes and support to you. I recommend salt water rinses to keep the mouth ulcers at bay. Can your ortho recommend anything else?
Stay positive and strong and I wish you a healthy recovery.
Julie
![Image](http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;54;124/st/20090922/e/14mths+since+braces+off%21/k/00a6/event.png)
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Jun06 Lower brace on
Aug06 Root Canals completed
Mar07 Upper Brace on
July08 Braces off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RE: Chemotherapy and Braces
Thanks for all of your positive energy, support and tips. When I was first diagnosed this summer, I had a cleaning, so that has already been taken care of. I have my 6th adjustment this coming Monday, 4 days after my first treatment, so he will be able to give me further advice and see if anything has started to erupt within my mouth. I will have 6 treatments over 18 weeks, followed by 6 weeks of radiation. The oncologist has already informed me that the braces will not interfere with the treatments. So probably I'll have a new head of hair and a dazzling smile, all about the same time next summer! And pink is now MY favorite color for ligatures!
saibass
saibass
Hi! You must be going through quite a difficult time I imagine. Hopefully it will all be fine in a while.
I've never read any article that mention chemo and braces, but I'm sure u'll find something if u google it, or in some orthodontic websites.
Best of luck with getting better (both cancer and teeth wise)! If u ever need to vent, this is a great place. U can PM me if u want to!
Joanna
I've never read any article that mention chemo and braces, but I'm sure u'll find something if u google it, or in some orthodontic websites.
Best of luck with getting better (both cancer and teeth wise)! If u ever need to vent, this is a great place. U can PM me if u want to!
Joanna