dental related Side effects ipi/nivo

I had 5 ipi and 52 nivo with no dental problems nor have I heard of or read about any.

Mouth sores are a known side effect of immunotherapy. I did not have any mouth sores with my immunotherapy, but I still rinsed my mouth with salt water as recommended. Do not wait until October 7. Contact your mother’s oncology support team soon. When I received ipi/nivo, I was asked to contact my oncologist’s nurse with any new worrying side effects. That nurse telephoned me a few times in the first weeks of my ipi/nivo immunotherapy.

I had a dentil root canal done in March 2017 11 days after receiving an infusion of nivo.

Immunotherapy may cause more gum inflammation and bleeding gums however it will not cause recession so root exposure is definitely not due to the therapy. Frequent professional cleanings, always using only a soft toothbrush and avoid scrubbing but using an up and down motion or a sweeping motion is preffered. Mouth rinses are also recommended. Using salt water rinses is beneficial but only if you do not have high blood pressure. Also, pay attention to the toothpaste since many have different substances to which a person may have sensitivities. Generally, avoid whitening ones since they have bleaching agents or abrasive substances which may irritate gums and make teeth sensitive. Patients who have partial dentures should have them professionally checked since they may be lose and may need tightening or adjustment. At the same time, the dentist can check the bite and see if there is any clenching or grinding (this may be the cause of root exposure). In this case, the occlusion (bite) is adjusted and a night guard may be recommended.
Hopefully, following these recommendations resolves your mother’s dentally related issues.
Melanie