Well got through cancer on my tongue, lymph nodes, 6 weeks of radiotherapy,3 years to recover and still not 100% and now what. mt teeth are totally wrecked now. I use special toothpaste, mouth wash, gel, chewing gum etc. I floss after every meal, clean them thoroughly but I've had 3 fillings recently but one has not taken and I'm now having root canal treatemnt- yuk! but now i've got a gum abcsess on my lower jaw, well I think thats what it is. Ive got a big red painful lump but no head on it yet. Its very painful to eat so I think I need to ring the dentist tomorrow but then again its Good friday! it has crossed y mind its not an abcess and maybe the lump is something else more sinister but I'm trying not to panic as it is painful and thats usually a good sign. Is anyone else having these sort of problems after radiotherpay has totally wiped out their saliva glands. Ive had enough of it all now

Hi Sammy
I'm only just post treatment, so I've got all this to look forward to! I can't offer much help I'm afraid, just wanted to let you know that there's someone out here thinking of you and what you are going through. As if we head and neck people haven't been through enough already! I'm sure someone with more experience will be along soon.
I hope you manage to at least enjoy the weather this weekend.
Best Wishes
Vicky

Hello Sammy

The 'radiation' caries is related to a lack of protective saliva and frequent high calorie carbohydrate feeds. See my advice on Oral Care and Radiation Therapy.

You will also find Special Care Instructions for Radiation Patients useful. See also Oral Complications of Radiotherapy.

Best wishes
Vinod

Thanks to both of you for your response. There was alot of interesting reading in all the links thankyou. I am going to try and look more into my diet as a next step. I don't actually have sugar at all, I use sweetener in tea,coffee and for cereals but maybe need to look more into mealtimes and snacks. I do struggle with fruit and vegetables- fruit all sting with the acid and veg i struggle to get down but I think I need to persevere a bit more. I think it will help my weight too as all the high calorie food I had to eat after my radiotherapy has piled back on. Drastic action is required in all aspects I think.

Thanks again, Sammy x