| Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 153 "OCF Canuck, across the pond" Senior Member (100+ posts) | OP "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.
| | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 701 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "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
| | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "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)
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | 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. ChristineSCC 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 | | | | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 153 "OCF Canuck, across the pond" Senior Member (100+ posts) | OP "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.
| | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,406 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | 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
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