Dental issues with myeloma can be tricky — and yes, many MyMyelomaTeam members have experienced exactly this frustration! The connection between myeloma and oral health isn't always on a dentist's radar, since most don't regularly treat myeloma patients.
Here are some dental issues that can be linked to myeloma:
- Bone Show Full Answer
Dental issues with myeloma can be tricky — and yes, many MyMyelomaTeam members have experienced exactly this frustration! The connection between myeloma and oral health isn't always on a dentist's radar, since most don't regularly treat myeloma patients.
Here are some dental issues that can be linked to myeloma:
- Bone disease — myeloma can affect jaw bones, causing thinning or weakening
- Gum tumors — these appear in roughly 8–15% of myeloma patients and can sometimes be an early sign of disease progression
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) — bone tissue death, sometimes linked to bisphosphonate or denosumab treatments
- Bleeding gums, tooth pain, and mouth soreness — often reported as treatment side effects One MyMyelomaTeam member shared that their osteonecrosis was only caught during a routine dental exam — which highlights how important regular checkups are.
The best step is to make sure your dentist and oncologist are communicating directly with each other. Your oncologist can help your dentist understand the specific risks involved with myeloma and its treatments, so nothing gets missed.
July 19