Losing teeth!

[JakeG]

Hi everyone, not posted in a while but have a quick question. My husband was diagnosed with cirrhosis about a year ago and has recently started to lose teeth. They simply fall out. He is seeing the dentist regularly but I don't know if teeth loss is associated with the cirrhosis. I support my husband but don't live with him (long story). I am awaiting confirmation of power of attorney so once this comes through I can talk to the professionals but until then if anyone can help I'd be grateful. Many thanks.

[Millie09]

Hi there, I have cirrohsis, 9 yrs now. In the last 2 years I have had 10 extractions!! Either my dentist couldn't be bothered to try and save them of he just was not bothered. I had them all taken out at the hospital incase of heavy bleeding ( which thankfully I was ok ) I have now moved home and seeing a new dentist with a different practitioner on Monday. I was also given blood tests done in November last year which showed I was non existent for vitamin D .was given a six week intense course of tablets and now on one each day for life. It's a well known fact that there is a link between cirrhosis and tooth loss .

Has he seen a dental hygienist? As that is something I am pushing for. If the teeth are quickly falling out and getting loose it could be a sign of periodontal diseas. Good luck

[JakeG in reply to Millie09]

Thank you. I will try and read up on this. Don't know how many teeth my husband has lost, he has some dentures but I am amazed that the teeth simply seem to fall out! Thanks for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it.

[Millie09 in reply to JakeG]

Your welcome! Yes I only discovered the link between cirrhosis and tooth loss. Myself being on this forum. I too have a partial denture but can't stand it . I don't have sugar, alcohol and try to watch my sugar intake as I have done many years now but has not really helped here's hoping for better help.

[acjb007]

That's weird as I have chronic cirrhosis & my teeth have been in awful condition. They won't whiten no matter what I do, they're always sensitive, I get bad breath, my gums bleed & I had an extraction a couple of months ago.

[JakeG]

My husband's teeth (the ones he has left) are badly coloured but it's the rare he is losing them which is worrying. I guess it's something to do with his body not being able to adsorb vital minerals and vitamins because of the cirrhosis. He seems happy enough but I don't even know if the dentist knows about my husband's liver problems! I have to assume he does. Probably best if you discuss your dental issues with your dentist as I am sure they will be able to offer you help and advice.

[jojokarak]

Hi teeth problems are definitely related to the cirrhosis, I have had problems with mine for years and last year I had to have all my top ones taken out as I was on transplant list and they took me off it until they were gone as too much risk of infections. Your husband really needs to inform his dentist of his liver disease as even medication they prescribe can have an adverse effect. Mine was fantastic with me, and also if he needs teeth out he will have to go hospital as usually liver disease causes problems with our clotting so he will need a transfusion of platelets.

[JakeG in reply to jojokarak]

Thank you, I thought as much. I don't live with my husband, we are 400 miles apart and I don't think he fully understands his condition. I have tead as much as I can and this forum definitely helps. I am due to visit him in September so I am going to go to his GP with him as I want to understand exactly what stage the cirrhosis is at. I know he is taking a range of meds including big stuff for his confusion and odema. He has a scan mid August (he has them regularly) and an appointment with his consultant in October. The power of attorney should be in place soon so at least then I can talk directly with his GP. By the way, when he had some teeth extracted recently he didn't go to hospital so I'm wondering whether the dentist does know about the cirrhosis. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[catrinamakes in reply to jojokarak]

I'm the same as you had to had all my top teeth out , and yes you are right usually done at the hospital. Hope you are okay. Have a nice weekend.