I have been following this web site for months, while my husband underwent treatment. During that time, I was too stressed and busy to register or post. I want to thank all who do post and answer questions. The info and support has been very helpful.

My husband is now 6 weeks post tx. He is improving but it is all still very difficult, especially the continuing mouth sores, swelling on one side, and thick mucus, alternating with dry mouth. Continues on PEG tube feedings (2 Cal). Recently increased oral diet from clear fluids to puree soups, etc.

Thinking about trying to restart fluoride tx. Trays were made and used prior to rad but stopped due to gagging/burning during tx. I have seen different recommendations for fluoride strength. SPOHNC publication: stannous flouide 0.4% or neutral sodium flouide 5,000 parts per million. Our dentist gave my husband GC MI Paste Plus, sodium flouride 0.2% W/W (900 ppm).
Any comments?

Also, I am considering a dental consult at Dana-Faber, where we went for second opinion, prior to starting rad/chemo at local cancer center. We do not have a dentist specializing in OC in our area. Anyone have experience/comments with this?


My main two questions:
(1) Anything to do for mouth sore inside swollen cheek area that is not healing (other than usual recommendations of baking soda sol, numbing/coating agents, etc.)?

(2) Correct fluoirde strength for dental trays?

Thank you very much, Travelottie

My dentist prescribed 1.1% fluoride (Prevident).

Yes 1.1% for me as well and I started using the trays 1 month before my Tx started; used them almost every day during Tx and have used them every day post Tx. My dentist recommends I use them forever unless something else better comes along.

Thank you Pete.

Is Prevident a toothpaste or used in dental trays?

They have both but get the one for use in the trays.

My prosthodontis INSISTS I use the .4% Stannus fluoride rather than the 1.1% sodium flourides. Says the stannus fluoride is stronger. Problem is the stannus fluoride stains my teeth worse than my 3 pack a day habit ever did.

Jerry, Mike,
What's your view on this? I'm serious thinking of switching. My teeth are all capped anyway so it is only exposed root by the gum that is really getting treated. What brand do you guys recommend to patients and is it prescription?

Thanks.
Eileen

I had been on the 1.1% sodium fluoride, and recently switched doctors and was put on the 0.4% stannous fluoride. I've also noticed increased staining of my teeth. I'm also on chlorhexidine oral rinse (half strength) which causes staining of teeth. Other then frequent cleanings is there anything else that helps with the staining. I go for a check-up and cleaning every 2-3 months.

Travelottie, in answer to your question about mouth sores. I've had numerous bouts of mouth sores since my RT in 2006. That is one reason I using the chlorhexidine oral rinse. I�ve also use another mouth rinse called �magic mouthwash� that was prescribed by my doctor. Magic mouthwash is a compound of various medications. Also had prolonged swelling and was put on prednisone (steroid) for a while.

I was on the 0.4% stannous fluoride through TX and due to really bad staining the prosthodontis switched me to the 1.1% sodium fluoride.

Likewise I would like to know the difference since at the time I didn't think to ask.

Hopefully, we will still get a more detailed explanation from one of the dentists on board.

Susan - I've made note of the chlorhexidine.

That's interesting about the prednisone. Was it for neck or facial swelling? I'm starting to worry about the buccal sore (RO nurse says it's not an ulcer) and swelling that has stopped improving. It is affecting my husband's ability to increase his diet. He is using magic mouthwash and gel claire for the discomfort.

Be careful of the Chlorhexidine -- It can also stain teeth (Dentist took one glance in my mouth and asked if I was using the stuf) and there are two kinds -- One with ALCOHOL and one without.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Chlorhexidine_gluconate