Hi All,Just wondering if anyone experienced dental/teeth problems after treatment. I finished chemo and radio in October, and I feel like gradually but surely all my teeth are feeling weird...... decayed, brittle, sensitive or something. During treatment I had a bit of gum/mouth trouble, and broke a tooth necessitating a temporary filling, but nothing too bad. Not sure if it is just coincidence, or a known side effect. I can't get in to my dentist till March 22.ThanksJane

Hey Jane,I Had the mouth trouble, ulcers mainly, however once I finished treatment I went to the Dentist for a checkup and clean and they were absolutely fine, no problems and I get checked 6 monthly to make sure. So I havent had any problems with teeth feeling weird or decaying, brittle as such. I do know that one of the horrible side effects of Lyrica are these particular teeth problems, so don't know if youve ever had that. Its a pain relief. Hugs Melinda xo

Hi Jane, I had demineralisation of my teeth after chemo so they coated them in a special remineralising gel then put me on a high fluoride toothpaste. @melclarity I had lyrica for the nerve pains ;(

@"Soldier Crab" Oh yes alot of people use Lyrica its actually used for Fibromyalgia believe it or not mainly. Its a great pain relief for nerves, I couldnt take it, made me really ill. But theres unfortunately loads of information on teeth problems associated with it. x

When I was having chemo, my dentist commented on my apparent lack of any impact. She said problems were not unusual. I had the impression any impact was short term, so here's hoping you are in the clear.

I think that would only be if on lyrica long term I would think. I have looked up side effects but I certainly haven't found a link with dental issues...dry mouth yes but not dental with lyrica. The only thing I can suggest though is perhaps you need to have a bone density scan. Osteoporosis can be a side effect of chemo (especially if we were close prior) and dental issues can be an indication of reduced bone density and leached calcium. Usually symptoms are shifting teeth or loose teeth.Sounds like a good check up including Xrays would be a good start I guess.

teeth problems | BCNA Online Network

socoda
Member
9 years ago
No probs @Jane Elizabeth. What a shame we can't transfer the ongoing gift status to something like Lotto!!! ;)
Jane_Elizabeth
Member
9 years ago
Thanks for the info link @socoda. It does seem to reference an increased risk of dental caries due to bone loss, as well as effects on the gums. I guess put it down to another unexpected gift left behind by bc!
Hulos
Member
9 years ago
Hi, i had a tooth ache during my chemo, i went to see he dentist who then referred me to an endodontist. I specifically asked him if this was as a result of chemo, he said that if you've had issues before that they would surface during chemo.
Mine was a temporary crown that should have been completed it never happened because of my diagnosis. Limited with what they can do during chemo...
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Hi @Jane Elizabeth, found this online regarding teeth problems and treatments for breast cancer -
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4075039/ - interesting reading. Xx
Mira
Member
9 years ago
That's interesting. I didn't have any chemo, just radiation and tamoxifen, and my dentist asked me a few times "are you sure you didn't have chemo?" when he was looking at my teeth after treatment.
Brenda5
Member
9 years ago
My dentist said chemo temporarily destroys the salivary glands which send stuff to protect the enamel on your teeth. I do remember having a hideously dry mouth all the time and a year later I still do. I carry a water bottle with me everywhere. Its a pink love your sister one.
Jane_Elizabeth
Member
9 years ago
Thanks for the feedback. I have never been on Lyrica. I had a bone density scan before I started treatment (so about 1 year ago). I guess my teeth all got to their use by date at the same time!
SoldierCrab
Member
9 years ago
I have osteoporosis I am on Prolia injections for it .... and I only took Lyrica for about 2 weeks as I hated the spaced out feeling I got on it... I instead used my crystal quartz pieces taped to my body to relieve the pain of nerves reconnecting, without feeling like I was not in control of my thinking.
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Kath absolutely yes its if youre on it long term and I was warned by Specialists about that in particular, I did alot of research and found alot of people had in fact those issues on Lyrica, again though prolonged use.
primek
Member
9 years ago
I think that would only be if on lyrica long term I would think. I have looked up side effects but I certainly haven't found a link with dental issues...dry mouth yes but not dental with lyrica.

The only thing I can suggest though is perhaps you need to have a bone density scan. Osteoporosis can be a side effect of chemo (especially if we were close prior) and dental issues can be an indication of reduced bone density and leached calcium. Usually symptoms are shifting teeth or loose teeth.

Sounds like a good check up including Xrays would be a good start I guess.