Anastrazole and teeth problems

I did a test called the Breast Cancer Index after 5 years on letrozole. It gives risk of recurrence and a yes or no answer to whether continuing the medication after 5 years offers any benefit. In my case, it did not so I stopped even though the original plan was 10 years. The Breast Cancer Index is now part of the NCCN guidelines.

I did not have any issues with teeth on an aromatase inhibitor. Are you also on Reclast or Zometa? It is possible that could cause dental problems after 3-5 years, I was told by my doctor, and have read (McCormick's book"Great Bones">

I was on all 3 of the AI inhibitors for 2 1/2 years. I had to have 2 root canals and 3 crowns. I am so glad I made the choice to come off the medicine. I am still not comfortable that I will not have more teeth issues.

I am not on Anastrozole.............I am on Exemestane. However, I do take Zometa infusions and my teeth have started going crooked. I only have 2 more to go so called my dentist and am making plans to get this taken care of. It drives me crazy. It's like my molars are smacking into my tongue because they are shifting. My teeth have always been pretty straight so this is driving me nuts!!

Hi There:
Interesting that I read your comment this morning. I just came from the dentist because on Monday night a filling that had been in one of my front teeth fell out while I was getting caught material out from the area between 2 teeth; it has been in place for years.

I had the very back 2 teeth extracted from my left lower jaw on April 17th after being on Anastrozole for a year and was contemplating an implant. I have 5 other implants in my mouth, and I did not have to take any pain pills after they were done (of course I was younger; however, I am still a person who tolerates pain well - after all I grew up as the only girl in a family of 5 boys :-). After the extractions, I took pain meds for two weeks. I took 3 Ipuprofen along with 2 Tylenol every 6 hours, and of course after that 2 weeks the pain was gone; however, my stomach was messed up from so many pain relievers.

I was to get the implant on August 26, 2024. However, I cancelled that appointment because I like to work in my yard and bike and if I have pain again, I prefer not lay around during the summer and/or fall taking pain relievers while waiting for healing to take place. At this point, it is my plan to have one implant (not two as there were two extracted) put in during the winter months?

I am noticing that more is getting caught between my teeth when I eat leading to more flossing and toothpick rituals?

I really wish there was more empirical data about teeth issue and hormone blockers for people who have estrogen driven cancer. I have been blessed by the team of doctors who treated my cancer; I have a competent dentist and dental surgeon. I have talked with my dentist, dental surgeon, and my oncologist in regard to this. Their responses have been kind and basically I feel the responses indicate that there is not empirical evidence of teeth issues being a problem when taking Anastrozole.

I have seen an endocrinologist for pre diabetes for 12 years. When I was diagnosed with early stage ER+ breast cancer in 2020, I informed him of this new finding. He told me to tell my oncologist to prescribe what was best for my cancer and he would take care of my bones. I had 16 rounds of radiation, then was prescribed 5 years of anastrozole. I researched why I would need care for my bones while taking this drug.
It is well documented that osteoporosis is a common side effect of taking an aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane). Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone density. When estrogen levels drop during menopause, bone density usually decreases. Aromatase inhibitors further decrease estrogen production to often undetectable levels resulting in an even greater loss of bone density. Osteoporosis can indirectly cause dental problems because it can cause changes to your jaw. This can affect how your teeth are held in place. For this reason, osteoporosis has been associated with an increased likelihood of dental problems and/or tooth loss.

I believe my teeth problem came from the Zometa infusions I get to keep my bones somewhat healthy. I was going to stop them, but only have 2 left so I guess I will finish. However, I will be looking into getting Invisalign to get them straightened out.

I'm not taking Reclast or Zometa. The Anastrazole is the newest drug that I am taking since my dental issues started occurring.

Thank you for the information about the Breast Cancer Index. This is very helpful.

Best wishes!! 🦋