Elin, I am happy for you to have found that second opinion!

It is true that some people develop serious dental problems due to the radiation.

I was lucky to have gotten competent dental opinions early (helps to know the dentist) and still have ALL my teeth. My daily life is hardly impacted by any special tooth care. I brush 2 to 3 times a day, I see a dentist every 4 months primarily for cleaning (tarter builds up more quickly with low saliva). I get fluoride treatments when they think I should. I do not do daily, weekly or monthly home fluoride treatments any longer. (I did do home brush applied fluoride for the first year or so). In the last 9 years post treatment, I have had one very small filling done.

Line yourself up with a caring dentist that knows about the effects of radiation. Arrange to see this dentist frequently and follow their advice. Plan to be careful with dental care but mostly be thankful about keeping them! I can't imagine eating with low saliva AND no teeth.....

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.