I am newly diagnosed & on Letrozole to shrink the tumour before surgery on August 12. I’m 68 so well past menopause.
My mind is spinning with it all. I’ve been reading about side effects & I know that we are all different. But I’ve read a few mentions of teeth. What is the side effects for teeth?
I’m having a DEXA scan tomorrow as a baseline.
Hi Ann,
I was on Letrazole for 6 years and my teeth were not trouble one bit. I am 69 and have had only cleaning and scaling for the last few years, apart from replacement of one filling. Letrazole held the cancer at bay, and although it can have side effects, I was not aware of any for several years. Your GP, oncologist, dentist and pharmacist are all good sources of advice.
Cheering you on,
Dominie
Hello Ann58
I started Letrozole on 20/07/2026. And recently had a routine dental check up..my dentist asked if I had a dry mouth which I have.. a dry mouth can be a side effect of taking Letrozole. He told me saliva protects your teeth from tooth decay.
He advised I clean my teeth straight after eating and drinking and use a mouth wash each night..
Hope this info helps
I think that you may be confused. I'm not aware of teeth being a problem with Letrazole. But as with most Aromatase Inhibitor drugs, many of us do get Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. And the treatment for that eg Prolia, Zometa can cause Jaw Necrosis. If starting these drugs for bone density, you should have all dental problems solved before starting. I've been on Letazole, and swapped to Exemestane for 6 years now. And have had 8 Zometa Infusions. No issues re teeth as yet.
Thankyou. It was on this subject page that I read some mentioning teeth issues. I’ll go back and find which drug they were talking about but I’m sure it was Letrozole. My mind is all over the shop after my new diagnosis & the rush with treatment 🥹
Ann58 Please Try not to use Dr Google for ANYTHING to do with your treatment, surgery or ongoing side effects etc. It is often not relevant to your own treatment & can just scare the pants off you! Your medical team would be the ones to ask. xx
Yes, some people do have side effects from Letrozole but as you say - everyone is different and react differently to individual treatments. Letrozole is also considered the 'gold standard' for Hormone Suppression - so give it a 'real go' and see how you go yourself.
I haven't heard of any teeth issues with Letrozole ..... Sometimes teeth issues need to be addressed before some types of chemo treatment can be started .... even with teeth being removed. Once again, your team will advise you of any issues you might encounter along the way xx
Take care
I was reading it here in a group. In Hormone Therapy group. I’m off to dentist for a checkup soon!
I will for sure give the meds a chance 😊🌿
thanks for replying 🫶🏻
