Tamoxifen and your teeth
Tamoxifen is an estrogen receptor modulator used to treat and prevent hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, typically taken for 5 to 10 years.
Tamoxifen affects bone density (variably, depending on menopausal status) and is occasionally associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, especially when combined with bisphosphonates. It also commonly causes hot flashes that can lead to mouth breathing and dry mouth indirectly. Patients on long-term tamoxifen should have routine dental check-ins and coordinate any invasive dental work with their oncology team.
We review every patient’s medications at every visit and adjust treatment planning when it matters. If you are starting a new medication or have a procedure coming up, mention it and we’ll walk through what to expect.