I recently had my 6 month check up at the dentist. I used to hate the dentist when I was younger but now for some reason I don't mind it. I think it didn't help that I lost a lot of confidence in my dentist when he failed to diagnose my cancer. That still makes me mad! Due to me visiting him numerous times with oral problems. It started with mouth ulcers which he blamed on me going out and drinking and socially smoking and put me on antibiotics, this happened twice and then the worst extreme of excessive bruising gums (which should have rang alarm bells to my dentist) but he still managed to blame it on my oral hygiene and made me an appointment to see the hygienist which was rather interesting. She started cleaning my gums and had to stop halfway because they were so inflamed and wouldn't stop bleeding. (This should have also rang alarm bells at her) Luckily the week after I looked and felt awfully ill so mum insisted I went to the doctors and after my blood test, I finally was diagnosed with Leukaemia.
Anyway on wards and upwards from that, I have now moved to a new practice and am much happier with the dentist and the service I receive.
He told me that due to all the chemotherapy and treatment I have received it has damaged my mouth and tooth enamel. He said it is common for cancer patients have to have fillings and mouth problems. I suffered with sickness a lot through treatment and he said the acid in the sick damages teeth, also when my cell count dropped my mouth got severely sore and it was difficult to keep up my oral hygiene, thinking back to this it is understandable that my teeth have been effected. Weirdly at the time of having treatment etc I never thought about the long term effects of treatment and being poorly. I am suffering with mouth ulcers on a regular basis and think this is because of my new immune system, I see it as a good thing as the mouth ulcers soon clear up meaning my transplant is working and my immune system is improving. My dentist has advised me to buy an electric toothbrush. I have started using it and can already see and feel a huge different in the cleanliness of my teeth.
Always Smiling x
♥
It's pretty disappointing to know that your previous dentist missed to relate your reporting of mouth ulcers and bruising gums to cancer diagnosis. You made a good decision in changing dentists. I hope your new dentist continues to prove that their service is better than the previous one. Anyway, I've always thought that you're a very strong woman, Elisha. I'm happy that you've been keeping a strong and positive outlook in life. Keep on inspiring us! :)
ReplyDeleteWarren Fitzgerald @ Brockington Dental
It is really disappointing, you loose complete trust in someone who is meant to look after you. My new dentist is amazing, couldn't provide a better service! Thank you for your comment :) I'm glad you enjoy reading my blog! :)
ReplyDeleteIm sorry to hear about to hear your dental problems . Not only do you lose your apetite due to the wounds, but it's also compromising your dental health, which led to those conditions. Anyway, just continue to consult your new dentist, so that he can assist you into a full recovery. Thank you for sharing that, Elisha! Take care!
ReplyDeleteElfrieda Sevigny @ Simmonds Dental Center
Thank you so much! I am glad you found this post useful. My new dentist is amazing and I trust him to assist me into a full recovery. Elisha :)
DeleteIt’s good to know that your new dentist has given you better advice, and that you’ve felt huge difference since then. Anyway, I hope you continue to trust your dentist this time, despite the unfortunate situation you’ve been through before. Thanks for sharing this with us. All the best!
ReplyDeleteBenny Murray @ Dental Care of South Jersey
I feel completely confident with my new dentist. You rarely hear of misdiagnosis from dentists so I do love to raise awareness of it. I just hoped he has received more training so he doesn't make the same mistake. I feel that cancer in teenagers and young adults should be spoke about more and made more aware so this doesn't happen again.
DeleteThank you!