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#176291 01-09-2014 02:03 PM
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Treatment has made my gums more sensitive. At first I was using a Biotene toothbrush. At first they were great, but now they feel too soft. Also, I'm down to my last one and I notice they are not made anymore. I was also using RX Ultra Suave toothbrushes from PHB which are made specifically for post-treatment. I was using the red one, which is the softest. I still have a few of these, but I no longer need one this soft. I thought of trying one of their firmer ones, but I'm tired of their small size.

Next I tried Dr. Collins Perio, which feels too rough. I've also tried ultra soft brushes from Gum, Preserve, and Oral B, but these are too stiff.

Any recommendations?


Squamous cell carcinoma base of tongue. Lymph involvement unclear; staging placed at "2 or 3." Biopsy 4/18/2008. Treatment: IMRT every day for 7 weeks. Cisplaten once a week to sensitize cancer to radiation. Treatment ended 7/16/08. PET/CT shows no more cancer.
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My husband finds the softest GUM brushes work for him. You might also look in the children's section - it may look a little odd, but might be 'just right'.
Good luck!
Maria


CG to husband - SCC Tonsil T1N2M0 HPV+ Never Smoker
First symptoms 7/2010, DX 12/2010
TX 40 IRMT (1.8 gy) + 10 Cetuximab
PET Scans 6/2011 + 3/2012 clear, 5 year physical exam clear; chest CT's clear of cancer. On thyroid pills. Life is good.
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There are green, and sometimes yellow disposable sponge tooth brushes, some are pre-moistened. Whatever you use, change them often as not to reinfect yourself.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs






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My mouth and gums are quite sensitive and I use a TOTZ 18 months + toothbrush by Radius. Although it is marketed as "extra soft" I will run the bristles under hot water to soften a bit more before using. They are sized for toddler hands so not sure if you find them too small, Andrew.


Be well. Zenda
12/04 SCC Tonsil, Stage IV T3N2BM0. Mod RND, resect right oropharynx, free-flap, resect right tongue base. Erbitux,Docetaxel,RT X 33. 6/08 Mets lung, hilar lymph node:Carboplatin, Docetaxel. 2010 2nd clinical trial:lung clear, node stable. ORN,trismus,dysphagia. 8-10/2012 cryoablation,brachytherapy,cyberknife to lymph node. 12/12 NED. 6/13 Mets RLL lung: 8/13 cyberknife. 11/13 NED.
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When I was doing rads, I found the baby toothbrushes to work best. they usually were super soft which to me was more important than the drawback of the smaller size. Sorry but I cant remember the brand name.


Christine
SCC 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 smile
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I've been using the Nimbus Microfine toothbrushes for a few years - love them! The are soft, work great and don't irritate my sensitive mouth. They were developed by a periodontist and are only available on-line either thru Amazon or from Nimbus Dental's website. The come in compact and regular size brush heads, plus they have a child's version.

I was given a sample toothbrush a few years ago from another oral cancer survivor and she had been using them for a few years herself. They also have great reviews on Amazon.

I also use an electric toothbrush (recommended by my dentist) and also a water pick. I've tried a few other "soft" toothbrushes but I like Nimbus the best.

Don't forget if you order them from Amazon to use the OCF Amazon link.


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)
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I switched to a Sonicare just before treatment and am on my second one in ten years.


SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
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I also use a Sonicare and almost can't imagine life without it. I also got a water pic about a year ago and REALLY can't imagine life without it!


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 15 years all clear in 6/24 | Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome kicked in a few years after treatment and has been progressing since | Prostate cancer diagnosis 10/18
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If you have to choose, I'd get the waterpik first. You can always get by with a plain toothbrush. Nothing substitutes for the waterpik in its ability to just blast all particulates from the crevices as well as stimulate the gum line which is the area most susceptible to problems for those treated with rads.


Don
Male, 57 - Great health except C
Dec '12
DX: BOT SCC T2N2bMx, Stage 4a, HPV+, multiple nodes
1 tooth out
Jan '13
2nd tooth out
Tumor Board -induction TPF (3 cycles), seq CRT
4-6/2013
CRT 70gr 2x35, weekly carbo150
ended 5/29,6/4
All the details, join at http://beatdown.cognacom.com
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A waterpik is great for cleaning out all the food particles that get trapped in my mouth and my dental team strongly suggested I get one. I actually got two - the countertop model for at home and a portable one for travel. I love the countertop model as you are able to vary the water pressure better and my doctors cautioned to use a low pressure,

They also suggested the Sonicare electric toothbrush and I've been using that for a few years. I also use a soft toothbrush (like the Nimbus) and carry one with me to use after all meals.

Flossing is essential also, but I found it difficult to open my mouth wide enough to use the regular string floss. Reach makes a product that has a disposable floss head on a toolthbrush handle that makes it easier to floss my entire mouth.

Oral care after treatment is very important. I also use prescription flouride toothpaste.


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)
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