11 replies to this topic

[Taylor]

Hello,

Another poll for fellow TKI-users. Does anyone have increased tooth decay/cavities since being on the TKI? I've gone from none to many, and I don't drink pop or eat sweets often, etc. maybe my saliva is more acidic now? Just curious as it's been pretty annoying.

[PeJ]

I have dealt with increased periodontal/gum disease since Gleevac. The periodontist utilizing stop gaps so I can keep my teeth as long as possible. I'm 60 yr old, 3 yrs with CML.

[GerryL]

Hi Taylor,

I haven't had any increased tooth decay, but my dentist was concerned about calcium and magnesium levels being affected by the Gleevec and thus in turn loss of bone in the gums.

[pamsouth]

Issues with gum disease. Last year root canal. This year gum surgery drilled on the bone to get rid of infection and Root   canal. 

[CindyS]

I've had a lot of issues since Gleevec too.  Root canal on one tooth, lost another & got a bridge and I have an appointment with the periodontist next week to check on some very deep pockets and a loose tooth right in the front!!

[rct]

5 years ago or so, University of Pennsylvania had a department of Onco-Dentistry, because cancer and the drugs used to treat it usually decimate the teeth and gums of the patients.  I don't know if they still do, stopped going there.

My Mrs went from happily going to the dentist every six months for checkups on her outstanding teeth to now five years of root canals, root canal failure(s), multiple opening up of root canals and getting infections out, caps that won't stay on/in, gum infections that nobody can explain.  Her teeth and gums have really, really suffered.

Nobody will talk about it because CML is the same as diatetes, just take the pills and everything is cool.

rct

[GerryL]

I think it must come down to the dentist. My dentist took the effects of what a TKI could do seriously, I'm not sure whether she has had other patients that have undergone chemotherapy, as they can have similar issues. I informed my dentist of the diagnosis and treatment at the first check up I had, following diagnosis. She has been keeping a close eye on my teeth ever since.

[pamsouth]

Seems it is about that way with most health issues just take the pill.

Even my kidney specialist said the same thing only he used the phrase " they don't care". I'm sure he would never admit to saying that. I think his attitude has changed from when I first went to him.   I'm sure he has done a little of his own research into CML & Tki toxic effects. I imagine his hand and advise are somewhat controlled but if I ask the right question he will give me enough info to get the drift. I think he cares more about my overall health than my onc or primary.

I think kidney specialist are one of the overall brightest as to how the total anatomy works. I would even put a good kidney specialist, above the cardio docs. Just gotta find one that has heart and cares more about his patients, then the healthcare machine. 

Not going to apologize for what appears to be pessimistic.

Pamsouth

[PeJ]

My periodontist has injected Arestin (Tetracycline) into pocket when I get a loose tooth; so far, lasting > 6 months. I refuse to do anymore root canals or gum surgery. They're all stop gaps as far as I'm concerned.

[0vercast]

I've wondered how these drugs affect older women in regards to osteoporosis due to the calcium issues. I don't often hear complaints.

[Antilogical]

When I told my dentist about my diagnosis, he was surprised.  He said that he usually sees changes in the gums in folks with leukemias, and oftentimes he is the one that triggers a diagnosis by urging his patient to see a doctor.  So far, I've had none of those issues.

[TomM]

My dentist noticed the roof of my mouth , the hard palate, has large purple areas, looks a little like a bruise. Has anyone else experienced this, and could it be an effect of Gleevec? (Gleevec since 2004, 800 mg since 2006.)  Thanks