9 replies to this topic

[CallMeLucky]

Has anyone had an issue with their gum line as a result of treatment?  My gums were fine, I was at dentist a couple of weeks ago for cleaning and everything was fine.  All of a sudden last night I was brushing teeth and noticed in mirror that two teeth on lower left side, the gum has receded excessively.  The lower part of the tooth is exposed showing a darkish color, unlike the enamel of the rest of the tooth.  The dark part is sensitive.  Overall I don't have a lot of pain but I can tell the area is sensitive.  I called my dentist and he said he had no idea since gum recession happens over a long period of time and not overnight.  I'm going to have to go in to get it checked out, but just have no idea where this came from, out of the blue.

[ChrisC]

I had something similar, but to me it seemed like it happened over a few weeks' time — but I was in deep TKI brain fog at the time and really wasn't sure whether it was a shorter or longer time. Just that suddenly two pockets openned on my gum line, first two molars, lower-left side.

My dentist recommended using Biotin dry-mouth rinse, and this did seem to put a stop to it, as no new damage has appeared. After the initial horror of seeing my gum line there disappear/draw back, I became extra vigilent with my dental care: so far, so good.

Good luck, Lucky!

ChrisC

[Pin]

Yes I actually had this problem prior to diagnosis. It was one of my mystery symptoms that I had no idea what was causing it. I figured it was a result of low functioning white cells (total guess) at the time. It has gotten worse during treatment, fluoride gel applied by my dentist to the exposed teeth roots helped with the pain (I look after my teeth very well - it's not that) but I would love to know if anyone knows what might be causing this and if there's anything we can do - I just don't know how far it will go

[Antilogical]

When I saw my dentist a couple of months ago, I told him about my CML diagnosis.  He was very surprised, saying that he can usually see changes in the gum line when patients get a blood cancer diagnosis, and I had no changes.  I'm going to monitor my gums a little more closely....

[Tedsey]

Luck,

I have the same thing (first molar; bilaterally).  My dentist told me I brush too hard.  And I also chomp my teeth at night (it is like grinding).  My dentist said both could cause it.  I saw another dental specialist because of my horrible mouth sores.  He made me a new night guard.  My gums look a little better now.  Anyway, my husband had an issue with receding gums.  His dentist used a "deep cleaning" procedure using high pressure water.  That is supposed to help.  I have a family history of healthy teeth and I also inherited the same.  I didn't have any cavities until recently and get regular check ups.  I wouldn't dismiss that this could be due to the TKI.  Not enough is  known.  I guess the only thing we can do is be pro-active.

Take care,

Tedsey

[Tedsey]

I could only guess that the change would be due to chemotherapy.  That is the only data doctors have to go on (dentists, gynecologists, etc., and those docs who tell us our chances of getting a second cancer are higher now).  I have read that people being treated with chemotherapy have issues with tooth decay.  Hopefully that is not our case.  However, since Gleevec is thought to make the skin weaker, it may also interfere with cell turnover in the gums.

Teds 

[CallMeLucky]

Got in to see dentist this morning before hurricane got really bad (wife said "go now while you can").  Had two dentists look at it.  They were very surprised it happened so sudden, although they said the issue is not the gum, the issue is the tooth itself.  They said the gum is essentially fine and that the enamel had broken off the bottom of the tooth.  they said to leave it alone, brush lightly and see how it feels.  They said if it becomes sensitive and aches they can bond it, otherwise there really isn't anything to do about it.

Feel unsettled that it happened so fast but overall I guess I am happy that it is the tooth rather than the gum.  They said better it was the tooth, because there aren't a lot of great options if it is the gum, but for the tooth if it becomes a bigger problem they have options.

Now I sit and wait for the power to go out........

[Pin]

My other theory is that maybe the increase in acid might be attacking the teeth and gums. I have issues with more acid and have been taking zantac, and I find that when I don't take it my mouth gets kind of sore.

[jcoon]

I am dealing with this right now!  I have been on sprycel for a year.  I just had my 6 month cleaning and all of the sudden my dentist is sending me to a specialist to see if I need a gum and/or bone graft.  At my previous 6 month cleaning everything was fine, and she has told me several times that my brushing is great and my teeth are "squeaky clean".  It doesnt make sense.  Thats what made me wonder if it has to do with the Meds or the CML itself. 

[beverly]

Oh man Lucky your up in that mess. Darn. We were (Lucky) in Florida so sorry for all the people up there. I have fond childhood memories of Sag Harbor and Montawk Point before it got so expensive lol. 1950-1960's..Mom was from Sag Harbor.