Questioning Oxygen,

[spooks36]

I am on piped 02 most of the day and cylinders when mobile. I am not sure if it is my imagination, but could the 02 affect my teeth from use of a mask for long periods; My teeth are breaking off or becoming loose. I have had two snap off near the gum in the last month, and the Dentist is due to remove two other loose teeth next week. I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience or it is my brain working overtime? Hope you all as well as can be expected. go with care, cheers all, spooks

[Caspiana]

Hello Spooks,

Chewing hard food, eating or drinking sugary foods because bacteria feeds on sugar, heartburn and dry mouth could cause issues. If you are using an oxygen mask, does it cause you to have dry mouth? I used a cannula so I don't know. Dry mouth can definitely be detrimental to our teeth. Did the dentist say what they thought caused it? xx 🙋

[spooks36 in reply to Caspiana]

Hesllo Caspiana. Thanks for your reply. I was wondering if when using the mask, I tend to have my mouth open so the 02 does go onto teeth. Yes the umoth does get dry. I try not to use the mask that much but sometimes it is the only way . Have dental appointment next week, but she is most likely to say "age" and of course that is true. also have had steriods in the past both orally and injections. will let all know in due course, Keep safe. spooks

[Caspiana in reply to spooks36]

I have Sjogren's syndrome it's an autoimmune disease. This means my tear ducts are completely trashed , I can't produce tears and also I produce not enough saliva which makes my mouth dry. My dentist told me that can cause issues with the teeth and recommended gel. I don't have it so bad now as I drink three litres of water a day. Maybe try to drink more water. It helps with the dryness. Hoping you can find a solution. xx 😊

[Dedalus in reply to Caspiana]

You could use Xylimelts to help with the dry mouth. I use them only at night for sleep, but they help greatly x

[spooks36 in reply to Dedalus]

Thank you Dedalus. Not heard of that. Will think about it then may give it a try. Keep safe cheers spooks36

[Caspiana in reply to Dedalus]

I used to use similar but since transplant I have been drinking three litres of water a day. And that has helped very much. So much so that I don't use the gel anymore. Thank you for the suggestion Dedalus. xx 👋😁

[skischool]

I don't believe there is any evidence to support dental problems with oxygen use but you might find this link useful,it is mainly used to support the dental health care of hospital patients but it is very informative with regard to general dental health care.mouthcarematters.hee.nhs.uk...

Best wishes Ski's and Scruffy cat

🙃😻

[knitter]

I am not on oxygen , but take oral and inhaled steroids .My teeth snap off at the roots too, and as I take alendronic acid I have to go to the dental hospital .

Mind you a friend , not on steroids or oxygen teeth snap .

[spooks36 in reply to knitter]

Hello knitter. most of , if not all my teeth were capped or crowned more years ago than I care to remember. It is those that break at the gum. Not had hardly any trouble with then until recently. just now need to get the roots removed and I certainly am not looking forward to that. Hopefully will get a plate before Christmas in the meantime will press on using a bab toothbrush and not scrub too hard. Could be worse. keep safe. spooks

[SquirrelsHolt]

Hi 🙋‍♀️ there spooks36 and I'm an O2 24/7 user but i only use a cannula. Personal choice. I've not heard of any direct association with O2 use and dental problems. Our member knitter says her dental problems stem from the use of steroids for long periods, which I'm not sure you are also prescribed. I would ask your Respiratory Nurse and also your Dentist and then you can make a proper informed decision as to probable cause etc. Best of luck and come back with the information you gain.🐿🥜🥜.

[spooks36 in reply to SquirrelsHolt]

thank you squirrelholt. have Dental appointment early next week, The tooth I was expecting to fall out did not- it was the one next to it. looks as if I will be on prueed food if not careful. My family have threatened me with baby food. Cannot be that bad as babies thrive on it bee safes. spooks

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I've had problems with my teeth because of Alandronic acid, infact I have lost all my top teeth they either fell out or snapped. Have a good day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[spooks36 in reply to Damon1864]

thank you Bernadette and Jack. Since posting my uery had anotherr tooth snap this mane and it was not the loose one. Have dental appointment early next week. keep safe. cheers Spooks

[hallentine47 in reply to Damon1864]

Is that because you used Alandronic?

[spooks36 in reply to hallentine47]

Good afternoon hallentine47. No! I hve never use Alandrpic. In fact, the only "medication " for my condition is the 02. Prednisilone was tried, but results not as expected. Used it for very short time. Have had nothing else since being diagnosed. cheers spooks 36

[spooks36 in reply to hallentine47]

whoops, sorry sneezed as writing and did not check should have read, I have never used Alandronic- spooks36

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to hallentine47]

Yes plus my osteoporosis xx

[stamford1234]

I have COPD but not on oxygen, and sadly have lost all my teeth, they crumbled away as you have described. I am currently recovering from having implants on the bottom and full denture on the top. I have a low sugar diet and have always looked after my teeth, frequent visits to the dentists and good dental hygiene. My dentist was astounded by the speed of the decay and after looking at my diet couldn't understand the cause. Or didn't care beyond looking at my diet. However, it occurred to me that acid reflux might be the cause so I did some research, and yes the acid fumes in the mouth can cause dental decay. It might be worthwhile asking your Dr's opinion. I believe Acid reflux is a thing for some COPD patients.Sorry to hijack your post, but It would be very interesting to hear about others experiences. I hope you are otherwise well, and getting the best care. I was really dragged down mentally over my teeth, it is frightening and painful, not to mention loss of appetite etc.