Hi-
Did anyone suggest before having radiation treatment, to do anything to protect your teeth? If so, what?
Thank you.
A visit to the dentist to have your teeth checked — fillings put in or teeth that need to be pulled out— all that should be done prior to radiation starting. Have you had fluoride trays made? You will need to wear the trays nightly to bolster the health of your teeth, probably for a long time. Dentists also advise patients to use a high enamel toothpaste like Prevident 2000. The best is to visit your dentist and ask him to contact your RO and ask what he needs to do for you.
I had to have dental clearance before start of radiation. My dentist fit me for both soft trays and hard trays. Soft trays 1-2 times a week filled with fluoride for 1-4 minutes. Nightly hard trays as a night-guard. It's important for them to decide, what, if any, work needs to be done beforehand.