Breast Cancer Medication May Be Linked to Tooth Loss
Tamoxifen is a hormone therapy drug used to treat breast cancer in women and men. Despite its benefits, the medication has known side effects, including endometrial cancer, sleep disorders, and blood clots. Additionally, tamoxifen can affect general oral health, like causing changes to the bacteria in the oral cavity, which could promote gum disease.
Recently, a study published in Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Surgery, reported tamoxifen may also be associated with tooth loss.
Tamoxifen is considered a first-line prescription drug for the treatment and prevention of the recurrence of hormone receptor-positive tumors in the breast.
To study the potential correlation between tooth loss and tamoxifen consumption in patients with breast cancer, 200 adults between the ages of 20 and 75 who had been diagnosed with breast cancer were included in the study. Of these patients, 100 had been treated with tamoxifen and 100 had not taken the medication.
Compared to women who didn’t take tamoxifen, women who consumed the drug for more than one year had greater tooth loss. Furthermore, tooth loss was greater in older women compared to young women. Those who took tamoxifen and received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both treatments had less tooth loss.
This study creates a casual relationship with tamoxifen and tooth loss. Because of this possible association, dental consultations should be integrated into treatment, with preventative measures put in place by the patients’ dentist.
Academy of General Dentistry - Dr. Bicuspid
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