Radiotherapy and teeth

Another day another hospital appointment. Today was with the post-radiotherapy dental consultant.

Saliva contains anti microbial agents and so helps protects against dental caries (tooth decay to you and me) and as I now only have one saliva gland I need to really (really) look after my teeth. The consultant tells me the the biggest issue is receeding gums which cause the roots of the teeth to be exposed. These are softer than the teeth themselves and so are more prone to decay.

I need: regular x-rays, especially "between" the teeth (however that works), to check for decay; a good clean and scale; then really good hygiene, meaning cleaning two to three times a day; swilling my mouth with toothpaste at night (no rinsing) before I go to bed to coat the teeth with flouride; nothing to eat or drink at least 30 minutes before I go to bed; and I have to use a prescription high flouride toothpaste. Oh, and I'll probably need to do this forever!

Not terrible news (far from it), but it shows again that Cancer is for life, not just for Christmas!