Hi, everybody,
I recently had a bone density scan, and my primary care physician would like to see me, so I have an appointment next week. I figure that I probably have osteoporosis...not surprising since I am 68 years old. I did some preliminary research and noticed that many of the drugs used to treat this have side effects that include problems with the teeth and jaw. I really don't want to risk that, since the radiation has really done a number on my teeth as it is. Have any of you been diagnosed with this, and if so, how has it been treated? I am hoping that I can get away with increased exercise and more calcium.

I haven't really been diagnosed, but did have a back molar that was infected, showed signs of necrosis, that needed to be extracted, and did 30 HBO treatments, 20 before,10 after. They use hyperbaric chamber treatment for osteonecrosis, and hopefully that works, prevents, or delays surgery. Good luck.

Actually, I was talking about osteoporosis, not osteonecrosis. About 50% of women over 65 get this. I just don't want to take any meds that make my teeth worse and cause jaw problems, and many of meds to treat it have side effects that can effect the teeth and the jaw.

Lol. I thought it was a typo. Anyway, HBOT may be good for that also. Ask your doctor. Good luck.

I had a bone density scan a few years ago which showed I had osteopenia (a pre-osteoporosis condition). My doctor warned me not to go on any of the medications for osteoporosis because of the risk of more damage to my jaw and teeth. He recommended calcium, vitamin D, diet and exercise. From what I understand there are different types of calcium � he said to use calcium citrate +D such as Citracal.

A number of my female older relatives have had osteoporosis and I guess I can blame osteopenia on heredity and ORN on the radiation.

By the way, I also have issues with my jaw because of the radiation (loose teeth that were removed recently and jaw pain). I�ve had HBO twice because of this.

Good luck! Please let me know what your doctor recommends.

Thanks, Susan,
I am hoping that I can get away with taking calcium and exercising. When I researched osteoporosis, the side effects of the meds were really a red flag with me. Paul, that's OK, hopefully extra calcium and exercise will help. My teeth have held up so far, even though I seem to get a lot of fillings, and I haven't lost any. I use the fluoride gel every night, religiously, and I brush my teeth each time I eat or drink something that isn't water.

I had osteoporosis prior to my 2005 SCC dx and was on Fosamax for five years from 2002 until 2007. My condition improved to a dx of osteopenia. I discontinued Fosamax after some research into the side effects. At that time I was getting plenty of weight-bearing exercise and calcium through my diet. However, in 2011 I developed osteoradionecrosis in my right mandible. I increased my calcium and vitamin D3 through supplements. Several doctors have told me that Fosamax may have been a factor in developing osteoradionecrosis. The XRT in 2005 was the primary factor in ORN. I do have a family history of osteoporosis. I too have had a number of fillings in the past seven years and use fluoride nightly.

All the best to you in managing after effects of radiation.

Sorry to hear you are having a different type of health issue. Im glad you brought it up on the forum. Many members may not have known to watch closely for side effects like what you mentioned. Anything that has the capability to affect teeth and the jaw need to be avoided for OC survivors. Good eye!!!

Thanks, Christine. I didn't think that I had ever seen the subject on the forum. It is a pretty common condition for women my age, but I plan to really emphasize to my doctor that I cannot take the meds that are frequently prescribed for it. My teeth have held up so far, even though I have had a number of cavities, and I don't want to risk damaging them further. I don't know for sure that is what I have, but the fact that the doctor wants to see me after reading the results of my bone density scan, makes me fairly certain that's what it is. Hopefully I will be able to control it with diet and exercise.

Great information here. Just goes to show that whatever meds are prescribed for other conditions, if you've had oral cancer, it is a good idea to always check with your oncologist to make sure there are no contraindications to taking them. Several years ago I was diagnosed with osteopenia and my family doctor gave me some free samples of Fosomax to try, but after researching the side effects, I never took them and I've been doing great with exercise, Osteo Bi-Flex and swimming. At a later bone density test, it showed improvement.