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Herceptin and teeth

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Posted 7/12/2009 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
I started doing herceptin every 3 weeks for 5 months.  This last treatment has caused my teeth to start turning black and the roots to be sensitive.  I had a mastectomy almost 4 weeks ago.  I'm worried about loosing my teeth.  I read on this site somewhere that can happen.  The doctor has recommended another 8-10 treatments. 
Posted 7/12/2009 11:15 AM (GMT 0)
The post you referred to was related to drugs that are typically given to people with bone mets. These drugs are biphosphonates, and Herceptin is not one of them. What does your oncologist say about your symptoms?

Good luck with your treatment.

BEV
Posted 7/12/2009 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
I notice that Chuck's teeth have really discolored since he has been on chemo. He has always had dental problems so I suppose he will have more now? I sure hope not. But it certainly fits with what you said, Bev about chemo for bone mets. mk
Posted 7/13/2009 1:31 PM (GMT 0)

This is purely an educated guess ( I am a dental hygienist) but there is nothing I am aware of with chemo agents to permanently stain the teeth. There are certain antibiotics that are known to stain the teeth because they change the natural oral flora (bacteria normally found in the mouth).  It makes sense to me that the chemo could also alter the flora and cause abnormal staining of the teeth.  This stain is superficial and can be removed by your dental hygienist or dentist. You may need more frequent cleanings during treatment to reduce the staining.

FK

Posted 8/13/2009 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All! I've had chemo (toxatere, carboplatin, herceptin). I had 35 radiation treatments. I have a couple of more herceptin treatments and I think thats it. I went to the dentist before my treament to make sure my teeth were okay. They were. I went to the dentist the other day and he found 6 cavities and some are under crowns. He's going to talk too my oncologist and maybe they'll wait until my treaments are over and my port is removed before he works on my teeth. I'll know Monday. What a bummer!!!! I'm not sure what he'll do, but it's going to be a fortune and I believe it has something to do with the chemo and radiation. Hope your all doing fine. I refuse to let this get me down. :>) Dee

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