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!! 🦋

I have been on anstrzale since Jan 2023 . I am just now having real problems with my teeth. Lost one 2 months ago. Fixing to loose two more this month.

On Monday, I finally finished the 3rd crown and I filling that loosened. Then had a cleaning again at 3 months because of periodontal problems that I have never had in the past. Had surgery in June 2023, then chemo (oncotype +) with mouth lesions and finally radiation in Nov 2023. Had full dental exam at that time and nothing significant noted. Then June of last year, broken tooth and now I’ve needed 3 crowns and replacement of 1 filling and noted on the cleaning that 2 other fillings are loosening and may need treatment soon. Was blaming it on chemo damage but was on Anastrazole for 6 months and currently on exemestane for the last 5 months and now question if that is causing it? Another bone scan in May and he’s talking Zometa so this scares the you know what out of me because I don’t want to start loosing teeth. Spoke to dentist and he said there’s not really anything I can do differently to try to decrease the damage - just monitoring closely and treating as problems arise.

I too had the B.C.Index done and if I take the Anastrozole the chance of the BC reoccurrence would be 11% in 9 years. I have only been on the medication for 2 months and want to stop taking it. I have Osteoporosis and the new scan shows it has changed considerably, I also have about 98% crowns. I inherited cavity prone teeth. My Oncologist couldn't tell me what my reoccurrence was without the medication. For me, this is a major dilemma.