I think I may be cured of my AF!! It's been 10 weeks since my last episode.
I've had AF diagnosed since 2005 which is 12 years ago and when it first started the episodes were few and far between. After a year or so I began having lots more episodes and after say 3 years I had them regularly at the very least every 4-6 weeks without fail. So since 2008 my episodes have never ever gone past 6 weeks. Well, I've now been 10 weeks AF free and want to share with you what I think the cure was - having an infected tooth out!
About 12 years ago I had an infected tooth and my dentist at the time tried unsuccessfully to root fill the molar. Years later I was still having problems and another dentist tried to root fill that same tooth. He thought he'd done it, but I still had pain though not as bad. Over the years the tooth eventually calmed, but in March this year on a routine visit to my dentist he told me the gum below that tooth had a red spot on it. On x-raying it he showed me on the screen the infection under my tooth and said it needed to come out or the infection could spread to my jawbone. He also stated that it needed doing ASAP. I was bewildered as the tooth hadn't hurt for many years, but reluctantly agreed.
A few weeks later the tooth was taken out, it wasn't an easy job as the infection had caused the tooth to calcify and the process took over an hour as it was well and truly fixed to my bone. Now my dentist's wife has AF and we often swap stories and jokingly I said to him that perhaps my infected tooth had been causing my AF and he answered, well you never know and he talked about the association of tooth bacteria and heart problems! I had been in AF for a couple of weeks when I went to him and was actually awaiting a date for a cardioversion.
Well 10 days after the extraction my heart went back into normal sinus rhythm on it's own and has been that way ever since, that's 10 weeks! I just can't believe it and so hope it will continue to stay that way. Just wanted to share this with you all. I know I should have waited a little longer before telling everyone, but I just couldn't. I feel I'm cured!!!!
Jean
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jeanjeannie50
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Three massive, loud cheers, hats in the air and everything crossed that you are right, Jean. What an amazing relief it must be to have so much peace after the miseries you have suffered.
That tooth is better out - for all aspects of your health.
Oh, well done! I can't imagine how thrilled you must be - long may it continue! Keep us in the loop.
That's amazing Jean . I had the same ' spot on gum ' business with 3 of my teeth which weren't giving me any trouble but ended up with three root canals and crowns ( and a much depleted bank account). Unfortunately it didn't stop my AF but could have been much worse if they weren't attended to.
I should also have said in my post that the root of my tooth had twisted to the side and that was why the dentists of old couldn't get at it properly. My lovely dentist now, who is german, is the best I've ever had and his wife who's also a dentist is his assistant. Everything he does is carried out to perfection, so it all takes a bit longer but is worth it.
I think most of my savings are invested in my teeth, so I understand what you are saying about the cost!
WOW !!! Brilliant news. I always maintain teeth are problematic....mine are for sure!! Maybe I should have been a horse.....you never see them at the dentist. 😀
Here is hoping that you are on a winner Jean. Actually I have often heard it said that there is a link between dental hygiene and the heart. Good luck.
With me it definitely wasn't anything to do with dental hygiene, as I'm a fanatical tooth cleaner, flosser etc. I have a toothbrush sterilizer and have had two Dental Piks (They squirt water under pressure in between your teeth to remove anything hidden there). In fact if being over the top with dental hygiene was a cause then yes I'd have to put my hand up. Thank you for your good wishes, all is still well at the moment.
I can understand why you were reluctant to shout about it.
Long may it last.
Many years ago I had similar symptoms and I went into hospital to have the tip of a root removed surgically - quite a performance - under GA. Sadly not with the same outcome as for you.
I have a very good dentist now who has regularly told me that there is a link between good dental hygiene and heart problems. She and the hygienist congratulate me on my dental hygiene. I swear by my electric toothbrush.
Hi Pete, yes I'm bit of an oral hygiene nut. l even had two 'Water Piks' which I used daily, that is until my dentist said no, they're not good as they force water with germs below the gums! I couldn't live without my electric toothbrush, but after using that I use a toothbrush as well. I have two different toothpastes, one to be used mornings and another that contains no chemicals for use at night.
Hi Jean, My dentist does not like my waterpick and says we need to use them at low pressure. He thinks they push too hard on the gums and perhaps know about germs your dentist think get trapped. How do you feel now? did AFIB come back any? Ablation helped me, but i'm not cured 100 percent. I never met a Jean I didn't like. Gene
I miss not using my waterpik, but believed what my dentist said.
My AF free period lasted for 7 months, which was unheard of as I always, without fail, had PAF every 4-6 weeks. The odd thing now is, I'm free of AF in the summer months, but back it comes later in the year. Really don't know why this is!
So very pleased to hear your news and yes dental problems can have an effect on the heart so always best to deal with any problems efficiently, dental decay can also cause Sepsis. Lets all hope that this is the answer to your problem, I wish you well xxx
You shouldn't need to. Presumably you have filled out a medical form at your dentist and if you have stated you have AF it will be there for them to see and they should automatically give you the adrenaline free injection. That's what my dentist told me when I asked.
It might be worth a note being made of the details of the anaesthesia used jeanjeannie50 . We know dental work can trigger AF so could it have the reverse effect?
I think any infection in the body can have an effect on the heart. I also forgot to say that the root of my tooth had turned to the side which is why dentists couldn't get at it properly.
Since putting my post on here I've discovered that having a root filling, where they go deep into the tooth appears to be a trigger. Search on Google for 'root filling and atrial fibrillation'.
That's really great Jean. I was in a coronary ward in 2003 and the guy opposite me was waiting for a heart operation (not ablation, an actual operation). He'd had all his teeth extracted because he had some infection in the roots. He was in there for 2-3 months before he could have the surgery, as they had to make sure that the infection had cleared up. He was very fed up as you can imagine!
Don't think I'd go that far! My tooth felt fine so how would anyone know there was an infection. It was only the red spot that came on my gum that alerted my dentist.
Great news, also explains why my dentist said the molar she root filled still had to come out because one root has calcified. Trip to hospital eventually 😧
Yes, I'm quite prepared that it may come back again one day! The test will be when I can reduce my medication, which I intend to start doing very gradually at the end of summer. My attacks would last months and I'd be quite disabled by them and unable to walk at a normal pace or very far.
The longest I've gone without one was just over a year. Then I got 2 within a month. Then back to a long interval again, about 6 months. I find that when I get an episode after a long interval, I can be hit a by a quick succession of episodes, but then I can have an extended break again. I do take supplements and exercise though and so I don't know what part that plays in holding back the episodes.
I've had it just over 5 years. I do believe that if you have lone paroxymal AF you can prevent it from getting worse by finding the right supplements to take and exercising to keep your heart healthy.
Omega/Fish Oil, Hawthorn, CoEnzyme Q10, Garlic, Magnesium. I took the bio magnesium tablet once a day but as soon as I upped it to twice a day my ectopics disappeared and I've been generally less aware of my heart.
It sounds as though you're doing the right thing with your supplements. I've taken all of those over the years apart from the hawthorn. Isn't it good when you discover something that helps your AF, or in my case appears to have cured it!
I've not had an AF episode in over a year now. There's no proof the supplements on their own are responsible for this but I like to think they are a contributing factor.
Alan what sort of A/F did you have ? I've been told I have permenant A/f on medication to slow heart rate. Since taking magnesium, I feel much better hope it does some good to the heart ..C
I have paroxysmal that was diagnosed back in April 2012 but like so many others I now know I'd had it a bit longer than that. When I had 3 episodes in 2 months at the start of 2017 I thought that was a sign of it progressing. I've not had an episode since. I put that down to my experience of knowing how to manage the feelings you get when it feels imminent as well as the supplements I'm taking. I do not believe for a minute it has gone for good, but I'm just sticking to my regime for keeping it at bay.
Thank you all, you lovely people, for your kind wishes and yes my fingers are crossed that I haven't spoken out too soon! I can't begin to tell you all how wonderful if feels to have had such a long period feeling 'normal' again. Now when people ask me how I am, I can answer 'amazingly well' and better than I've felt in years.
Encouraging news from you Jean ...I had problems with my mouth healing after 2 extractions last October, felt as though I had fever ....went back to dentist they exrayed it saying all looked ok ..I must have had an infection..couple of weeks later I was admitted to hospital with breathlessness ..wonder if this sparked off A/F ...Celia
Jean, so so happy for you darling, what is fantastic story with hopefully the cure for this horrible illness!! Lots of love and best wishes coming your way xxxx
This is wonderful Jean, I sincerely hope you stay in sinus for ever and ever. I too think I reverted back to persistent AF due to a tooth infection which has taken weeks to fix i.e. Antibiotics, root canal and a cap. Unfortunately it hasn't cured me, still in AF/Tachycardia. Keep well enjoy the sunshine ☀️
That is such wonderful news, about no AF, not the infected tooth! It makes sense that if something is off in your body, it could affect something else! Congrats, and keeping fingers crossed for you. I'm off to brush and floss!!
I have heard that teeth can be a big cause of heart trouble. I wish the that was the oncure you needed. Hugs and much love to you that your luck stayss at its best.
Fantastic to have a good break at the very least. Long may it continue. There is some logic. Infection is always by definition accompanied by inflammation and there is a direct asssociation between inflammation and AF. That's why statins are thought to help.
That is fantastic. Really rooting for you. Excuse the pun.
My AF started not long after a root canal filling. I always felt this had something to do with it. This was twenty years ago. The tooth is still there. So never know. I had trouble in the beginning with the filling. After which I started suffering with AF.
HI jean so pleased for you, I too was convinced my permanent ectopics started after root canal work I even asked my dentist but she was adament that this could not be the case! I am now thinking I was right all along but what to do now?
That is really good news Jean. I am so pleased for you. I need to have a tooth extracted because my dentist said it has died but I am waiting until I have come off the amiodarone before having it done. Will keep my fingers crossed that I have the same response and will keep you posted.
Great news, Jean. I am waiting for an appointment to have my last 3 teeth extracted at my local hospital. My dentist is reluctant to carry out the procedure in her surgery as I am on rivaroxaban.
I have had niggling infections under 2 of these teeth for a couple of years. I am looking forward to it now!
Oooh, I really hope that your heart is better once these teeth are out and the infection has died down. It was 10 days after my tooth was removed that I went back in to sinus rhythm. Please let me know how you get on, have my fingers crossed for you.
That is wonderful, Jean. I have yet to have any debilitating AF episodes but I read all your (and everyone's) posts and wonder how you cope. I hope you have seen the last of it 😁
Brilliant news, your dentist sounds great , can I ask which town he's in?
I have read many times the connection between dental issues and the heart. I too developed AF around the time I was having root canal treatments, followed by an extraction after many years of dental issues and now following £7k of dental work I have been fine for a year. AF free for 3 years.
My theory is it's not one thing that cures AF but rather one thing that is the straw that breaks the camel's back and pushes you over the edge into AF. Dental issues are a bigee so its easy for that to be the cause of AF starting and when fixed, stopping AF. However, I think the overall approach should be to work on a number of lifestyle issues (which from your posts I am pretty sure you have already done) dental hygiene being just one.
I am in the same position as you now, keen to reduce my pills (Flecainide) but patiently waiting until all is fixed - currently seeing improvements in my last two issues digestion and sleep. Even after those two are fixed, I am going to wait another 6months or so feeling fantastic before I start a very slow regime of reducing the daily dosage of Flecainide.
I totally agree with your saying "AF is just one extra thing that breaks the camel's back". What dose of Flecainide are you on? I'm on 2 x 100mg plus 2 x 12.5 Metoprolol. Like you I've spent thousands on my teeth over the years, but the dentist I have now is just amazingly thorough and never hurries when carrying out any treatment!!! I'll PM you the town where my dentist is, he does private work only.
Oh and my other issues are digestion and sleep too! The digestion problem has more or less disappeared since I went gluten free and I'm gradually weaning myself off of the lowest dose of sleeping tablets.
I really can't believe the response I've had to my post. It appears a lot of people can identify with root canal treatment and their AF.
I thought you always had to take a small dose of beta blocker with Flecainide, to prevent a nasty side effect of the drug? Are you taking an anticoagulant?
Yes, I checked that with my cardiologist and he reckons it's OK for me, so far so good! No anticoags as 63 male and no co-morbidities; even when I reach 65 judging by what I have read recently I may not start; not complacent though as diet/habits all have clotting in mind.
Hmm I'm 66 and was certainly on anticoagulants at age 60. I too have no other co-morbidities. My AF attacks could be quite severe and last for weeks and sometimes months though so maybe that's why I took it earlier. An old work colleague of mine a few years younger than me had AF and was prescribed aspirin. I explained why he should be on an anticoagulant, but of course he trusted his doctor more than me. Well he had a severe brain haemorrhage last year and is now confined to a wheelchair and not quite mentally with it. His wife has had to give up working to look after him.
Thanks Jean. Anticoags are a difficult call and I fully appreciate your caveat. At present it is 'No' supported by my cardiologist and wife but it is always under review.
It's not just bleeds that concern me but also other effects, which of course all pills will have on a well balanced system like our bodies e.g. I read recently that anticoags harden the vein walls. However, with all the arguments for and against it's not just what it does but how much it does in your individual body and that's when the decision data runs out and gut feel takes over.
We could both be right for our individual circumstances.
I am so pleased for you and keeping my fingers crossed for you. I am very interested in your experience. My AF started in 2001 , prior to that I had root canal work done on a molar tooth. My dentist said he couldn't put the crown on as he hadn't been able to clear the root canal as it was bent. For many years I had an ugly looking amalgam( I think) covering on it. No dentist would do anything to it, not long after I had my first episode of AF. My present dentist did put a crown on but I keep getting flare ups under the tooth, I should have been looked at at the dental hospital but the appointment kept getting cancelled. My AF has not been as problematic for me yet as yours has, but you have certainly made me think about re investigating the whole issue again. Interesting stuff. Really hope you continue in NSR.
Thanks Kath, I will let everyone know how I progress. Yes, I'd certainly think about getting your tooth sorted. In fact I'd go as far to say, please make sure you get it sorted ASAP! It's been interesting hearing how so many people's AF appeared to start after having root canal treatment
I still can't believe how long I've gone without any AF problems, it was all such a total nightmare for so many years.
Oh jean I'm SO happy for you!! You always help and make us all feel better about what we're facing - and you so deserve this fantastic recovery! Praying you keep in NSR xx
That's wonderful news. I feel so pleased for you. 10 weeks is a long time. I haven't been longer than 4-5 weeks even after my first ablation. Now I've been back in persistent AF for 5 weeks. Grrr. I've followed your posts for a while now, and identified. My AF started in 2005 like you and followed a similar course. BUT I have got a very sensitive tooth that might have a hairline crack and am nursing it along with Sensodyne toothpaste. It sounds like I should try having it taken out. Back to the dentist! Thanks for the post.
Ooh yes, certainly ask your dentist if he could x-ray it and check there is no infection at the root. Has that tooth been a problem before and does it have a root filling? I'm fascinated at the amount of people who have said that their AF started after having a root filling.
How are you feeling back in persistent AF for all those weeks and have you asked about having a cardioversion?
Great news. I have just joined but you are obviously a lady who provides lots of help and support for others. Well done!
Edit: Just revisited my post and realised what a 'sausage fingered' attempt my original one was.👨 All those replies show what a popular lady you are on here !
Jean, I'm so happy for you, and like everyone here, wish you the very best for the future. I'm not at all surprised at the volume and sincerity of the responses, as you are such a kind and supportive friend.
I'm now wondering whether, like so many others, my AF started after having loads of root canal work. More hopefully, I'm due to have a distorted and infected wisdom tooth removed in early August. (I'm glad you mentioned that it was some weeks before you noted the improvement).
Yes, it was about 10 days after the extraction when my AF stopped and I went back into sinus rhythm. That could have been the time the infection took to clear up. I'm glad you're having your infected tooth out, please let me know if your AF gets better afterwards. I'm wondering whether it's infection in teeth in general or just related to infection in a root canal. Could be either I guess.
I guess it was when my bout of AF disappeared on it's own after 10 days. However I must admit although I'd never even thought about any connection with AF and teeth, after talking to my dentist and joking that having the tooth out could cure my AF and his response I did have the tiniest hope that it could do that. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it really would, it was just hope - like I've had so many times in the past when people have posted on this forum things that have helped their AF and I've rushed out and bought it.
I guess it's still fairly early days to get the flags out, but I'm heading for 11 weeks AF free now! You know I almost said to my dentist not to take it out as it wasn't hurting!
Saw my new cardiologist on Wednesday, he asked me if I had regular dental check ups. That's the first time I've been asked that question, and I was aware of this thread on this site. I do by the way. I just wonder why it wasn't asked before, and should it be part of protocol?
The thing is, it's all very well having regular dental check ups, I was having them. However, things can be happening at the root of the tooth which you aren't aware of. My infection only came to light when a red spot appeared on my gum and my dentist spotted it and did any x-ray. Many years before I'd had two attempts by dentists to do a root filling on that tooth, but because the root was twisted neither were successful. After a long while the pain in the tooth went and I thought that it was better, but no it was still infected with me just not aware of it anymore.
I can't understand anyone not having regular dental check ups.
I have no idea what causes my AF episodes... I was admitted to hospital on Friday as I was having an episode myself and was symptomatic, they advised that it may have been due to an infection I had been taking antibiotics for.
I am due to have an ablation on Wednesday as my episode are becoming more frequent and lasting for longer.
Sorry to hear you are having more frequent episodes, I'm afraid that's typical of how AF progresses. Best wishes for success on Wednesday. If I were you I would put your own post on here saying you are having your ablation this week. Forum members like to hear when anyone's having one. Also let us know afterwards how it all went.
I am so pleased for you Jean and think that what you say about mouth/tooth bacteria has a lot of validity. Keep us posted on how you get on. I have a dental check up next month so I will ask my dentist to be extra vigilant just in case!
Hi jeanjeannie50 , I had a wisdom tooth removed this morning. So far, I've only had two events of AF, both lasting several hours, one in May and one last month. I have had that troublesome wisdom tooth for over a year now, gradually getting worse despite being on a low level anti-biotic (for another problem) for most of that time. I am wondering now if I may escape further PAF attacks? I'll be watching out for any news from you, and hope you stay well.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that you keep free from AF. It was 10 days after I had my tooth out that my heart returned to normal rhythm. I guess it takes a while for the infection to subside. I do wonder if infection anywhere at all in the body causes AF.
Will keep you updated on how I get on and one thing's for sure everyone will know on here if it dares to come back.
Thank you Jean. I would be amazed myself if this has any effect on the development of my AF condition, but I will not deny that your experience encouraged me to go and ask the dentist to extract the tooth. The intermittent and increasing irritation from it was of course the prime motivator, and it had already been root canal filled some years ago.
That is odd although our surgery says cold no good for AF patients. Hat, scarf and gloves always. I can’t take the heat anymore although used to fry in it when younger.
Very interesting. I have an infected tooth which does not cause me any problems and a small soft lump has appeared in my gum under the tooth which the dentist is keeping an eye on. I have AF attacks every 2-3 weeks which last for about 36 hours before I revert to NSR. Maybe I should consider having the tooth out.
Hope your AF free status continues.
How exciting! Prayers for a lifetime of nsr💜
So very happy for you. Now you have me wondering, had an abscess under a tooth when staying in France for several months. Blamed the Flecainide for not helping AF! Who knows.
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