The Teeth and Chemo Talk, Oh My!

By Amanda Brunson

1 min read

Immediately when you think of chemotherapy, you may think of hair loss, nausea, fatigue, losing weight, and losing strength. Right? But no one talks about the effects of chemo on your teeth. My oncologist never spoke about my teeth being effecting by the chemotherapy and some medicine that weaken your teeth.

I know for me personally, I knew when I had chemo infused into my body, it would take the bad and good cells, we are fighting cancer after all. But what I did not know was that this includes the health of your teeth. I started to realize the effects of these intense drugs when I decided to look, observe, and study my own mouth while I was in active treatment. Don't get me wrong, I've always stayed aware of my oral hygiene, but chemotherapy made me keep a giant magnifying glass on my teeth.

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Connie Connely Contributor
You look great with no makeup! Yes, dental health is important. I have been having trouble with some toothpastes making blisters in my mouth. They are supposed to make my teeth whiter, but they aren't worth it.
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Connie Connely" user-id="3639405"/> oh man! I have the same issue! I use Tom’s toothpaste and that’s still an issue of burning 🥵 my mouth 👄 🔥 😩
Daniel Malito Moderator
<inline-mention username="Amanda Brunson" user-id="4145474"/> I got bad teeth genetics plus pain meds plus chemo - so basically my teeth had about a zero percent chance of coming through it intact. At this point I have 4 and a half left and have to get implants. It's going to be expensive and painful - so just like everything else! Good stuff, keep on keepin' on, DPM
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Daniel Malito" user-id="3641972"/> 🫂💜
Dennis Golden Moderator
Great video - and yes it is so important to take extra care of your mouth and teeth during chemo. I picked up a mild mouth wash and used it 3 x a day along with brushed after every meal. I did develop a few mouth sores but the regimen helped a lot. So glad you post this
Ramae Hamrin Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Amanda Brunson" user-id="4145474"/> As always, I LOVE your videos! Myeloma people are always talking about teeth in the chat groups. I guess it's a common thing to have dental issues after chemo, transplant, and after taking those bone strengtheners. I take good care of my teeth by brushing and flossing, but you've reminded me that I could do a little better. I haven't seen the dentist since early on in the pandemic. My community is still so Covid-ridden, that I'm taking a gamble and staying away for now. Thanks for sharing yourself with such vulnerability and honesty. So glad you joined the team! ❤️Ramae
1. Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Ramae Hamrin" user-id="3651272"/> 🫂❤️❤️❤️
Doreen Member
<inline-mention username="Amanda Brunson" user-id="4145474"/>, Great video! So many in this community can relate.~Doreen (Team Member)
Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Amanda Brunson" user-id="4145474"/> You always share with such honesty and vulnerability. You look beautiful and I'm sorry you had to lose a tooth. Crystal also had tooth and mouth issues. They are starting to get better, but it's been 4 years since her chemo and she is still having pain. I have a different type of cancer and from the treatments I've had to have, I also have lost teeth and had lots of tooth pain. The thing is, the doctors don't talk about this as one of the side effects. I really wish they would share more information, and am glad you did. Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team Member)
Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
Thank you 🫂🫂🫂I agree♥️🫂hopefully doctors will start warning about this side effect. To have a nice smile means a lot 🥲 💜 and changes people’s confidence for sure! Let us smile on! 🥂🍾we’ve all been through a lot and everyone deserves to 😃 smile🧡🐼