| Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 117 Likes: 1 Senior Member (100+ posts) | OP Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 117 Likes: 1 | 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.
| | | | Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 945 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 945 | 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.
| | | | Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 3,267 Likes: 4 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 3,267 Likes: 4 | 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
| | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 118 Likes: 1 Senior Member (100+ posts) | Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 118 Likes: 1 | 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.
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | 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. ChristineSCC 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 | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 | 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)
| | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 | 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
| | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,409 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,409 | 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
| | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,293 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,293 Likes: 1 | 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 | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 | 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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