Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
#119009 07-05-2010 12:01 AM
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 153
Stily1 Offline OP
"OCF Canuck, across the pond"
Senior Member (100+ posts)
OP Offline
"OCF Canuck, across the pond"
Senior Member (100+ posts)

Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 153
Hello,

I've found some conflicting references to the Sonicare electric toothbrush in these posts. Some like and recommend it, but one person warned it would be too abrasive for damaged tissues during and immediately following treatment.

For me it may be too late. I'm ~2.5 months out of radiation/chemo and used my Sonicare the whole time. Recently I've developed some new temperature sensitivity in my upper left teeth and on closer investigation, I see quite a lot of gum recession. Now, I did have extensive periodontal surgery ten years ago to fix "deep pocketing" in my gums, so it's possible I'm just now getting around to looking closely at those gums. Or, possibly, I've abraded my gums away back there (not a nice thought!). Unfortunately, I don't have a good "baseline" since I didn't really look too closely before going in for cancer treatment.

The dentist at my Cancer Association did take photos before I started treatment, and I'll see the dentist again in August, so I may actually be able to ask.

But, anybody out there have a strong opinion as to whether the Sonicare may have done me some damage?

Thanks,

-Seth


47 yr old male non-smoker, social drinker, fit. Jan'10, Stg3 rt tonsil+rt neck SCC, HPV+, rad+chmo Vancouver Cda. 2yr clear Apr'12 London UK. Apr'13 mets recur to lymph btw left lung & aorta, 3x Cisplatin+5FUchemo+20 rad, was all clear but 6-mo PET-CT shows mets to pleura around left lung, participating in St 1 trial of GDC-0980. GDC lost effect and ended July'14, bad atrial fibrillation requiring hospitalisation, start more standard chemo 10 Sep 2014.
Sadly has passed away, notified Jan 2015.
Stily1 #119084 07-06-2010 10:50 AM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Offline
"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
Hi, Seth,

My husband has been using the Sonicare toothbrush for about a year. Like a lot of people, he can't open his mouth as much as he could pre cancer. Before he started using Sonicare, his gums were receding--we think from radiation. His teeth also became very sensitive. His dentist treated his teeth on a few visits with a gel to control the discomfort and then he applied a bonding agent to cover the exposed roots. That helped a lot. The Sonicare toothbrush is great for getting his teeth clean and getting into his mouth where a regular tooth brush is too big. His mouth is still sensitive (not the teeth) so I know he is very careful about being gentle.

Good luck--
Anita


Anita (68)
CG to husband, Clark, 79,
DX SCC 11/07, T4N0Mx, PEG 1/08, RAD, post rad infection 3/08,
HBOT 40 dives, ORN, Surg 11/09 mandibulectomy w/fibular graft.
Plastic Surg 4/10, 12/10, 3/11, 10/11, 4/12, 10/12. All PETS clear,
PEG out 1/11. 6/11 non union jaw fracture
Fractured jaw w/surgery 7/14
Aspiration pneumonia 7/21, 10/22
PEG 7/21
Botox injections
AnitaFrances #119137 07-07-2010 09:57 PM
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Offline
"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
Seth,

I started using the Sonicare toothbrush in January 2009 at the recommendation of my dentist (prosthodontist) and his staff. They treat many of the cancer patients where I live. I had a lot of staining of my teeth due to the fluoride treatments and chlorhexidine oral rinses and the Sonicare seemed to help with the staining and I have not noticed any gum recession since I started using it. I used a different brand electric toothbrush for many years prior to switching to the Sonicare. I use the Sonicare 2 to 3 times daily, and a manual toothbrush in-between.

They also recommend using Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste � to help harden the enamel and the Sensodyne brand does also help with sensitive teeth issues (it worked for my son). I use this along with Biotene toothpaste.

I hope this was of some help. Good luck.


Susan

SCC R-Lateral tongue, T1N0M0
Age 47 at Dx, non-smoker, casual drinker, HPV-
Surgery: June 2005
RT: Feb-Apr 2006
HBOT: 45 in 2008; 30 in 2013; 30 in 2022 -> Total 105!
Recurrence/Surgeries: Jan & Apr 2010
Biopsy 2/2011: Moderate dysplasia
Surgery 4/2011: Mild dysplasia
Dental issues: 2013-2022 (ORN)
Susan2992 #119147 07-08-2010 04:49 AM
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10,507
Likes: 6
Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services
Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Offline
Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services
Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10,507
Likes: 6
When I was first diagnosed with OC in 2007, my ENT recommended I use a Sonicare. He said to only use the slowest setting as not to damage the gum tissue.

Now, after I had my teeth removed, he said do not use it. That without teeth it could cause alot of damage.

Just be very careful with it.


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile
ChristineB #119280 07-11-2010 01:42 PM
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 153
Stily1 Offline OP
"OCF Canuck, across the pond"
Senior Member (100+ posts)
OP Offline
"OCF Canuck, across the pond"
Senior Member (100+ posts)

Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 153
Thanks everybody. Generally seems like thumbs up for Sonicare.


47 yr old male non-smoker, social drinker, fit. Jan'10, Stg3 rt tonsil+rt neck SCC, HPV+, rad+chmo Vancouver Cda. 2yr clear Apr'12 London UK. Apr'13 mets recur to lymph btw left lung & aorta, 3x Cisplatin+5FUchemo+20 rad, was all clear but 6-mo PET-CT shows mets to pleura around left lung, participating in St 1 trial of GDC-0980. GDC lost effect and ended July'14, bad atrial fibrillation requiring hospitalisation, start more standard chemo 10 Sep 2014.
Sadly has passed away, notified Jan 2015.
Stily1 #122807 10-06-2010 02:53 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,406
Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Offline
Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)

Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,406
I've now been using a Sonicare for about 3 months. Have to say I like it a lot. Recently when it was charging I went back to my old battery powered Oral B for a go and it didn't compare.

Adding my thumb.

David 2


David 2
SCC of occult origin 1/09 (age 55)| Stage III TXN1M0 | HPV 16+, non-smoker, moderate drinker | Modified radical neck dissection 3/09 | 31 days IMRT finished 6/09 | Hit 14 years all clear in 6/23 | Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome kicked in a few years after treatment and has been progressing since | Prostate cancer diagnosis 10/18

Moderated by  Brian Hill 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Top Posters
ChristineB 10,507
davidcpa 8,311
Cheryld 5,260
EzJim 5,260
Brian Hill 4,912
Newest Members
Jina, VintageMel, rahul320, Sean916, Megm37
13,103 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums23
Topics18,166
Posts196,921
Members13,103
Most Online458
Jan 16th, 2020
OCF Awards

Great Nonprofit OCF 2023 Charity Navigator OCF Guidestar Charity OCF

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5