"OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 | Hi there. you can also get a protein that isn't sweetened with sugar - not a fake sugar replacement - some have agave and stevia. This will lessen the sugar impact.
One of the problems with radiation and your teeth is that it weakens the enamel and the lack of saliva caused by the treatments is what allows the bacteria,to do the most damage.
My advice; brush frequently with a soft tooth brush after each meal. Invest in a waterpik for cleansing during treatment (weakest setting - using the tongue cleaner) and then later use the pointier heads with more power to clean along the gum line (like flossing) If the toothpaste is too strong flavored - pick one that is a child's toothpaste (I sometimes use pronamel children's or they have different flavors - orange - whatever) some natural products are licorice flavored - I found the mint to burn so sometimes I take a break from it. I also rinsed my mouth frequently during treatment.
Finally - flouride trays. You should be seen by a dentist prior to treatment, and have the trays made. I found the flouride to burn later in treatment. I used it every second day then and once I was feeling better went back to using it daily.
Hugs.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
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