Hi Josh,

I had to have my teeth totally done and checked out prior to treatment complete with a letter from my dentist before they would begin treatment at Johns Hopkins. While a week and a half into rads isn't that long, I would still check with your RO about that.

In the mean time, while you're waiting for your fluoride trays, at least use a fluoride rinse. My dentist actually prefers that I do the rinse as opposed to the trays. He recommended the Listerine kids rinse (the blue stuff). I use it twice a day after brushing. He does a fluoride treatment at my visits. It's imperative you take care of your teeth during and after treatment. I recommend the Biotene Dry Mouth toothpaste as well. Both the toothpaste and the rinse didn't burn my mouth even when the sores were running rampant.

My teeth were very sensitive from about 4 weeks in until about 4 weeks post. They're fine now. Scheduled for my first post Tx cleaning next month. Remember, no more deep cleanings. I just got a water pik and it helps a lot with daily oral hygiene.

Good luck with the treatment! I'm not going to sugar coat it, it's brutal, but you'll survive. Try your best to heed the advice you've gotten thus far.

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"