Dental

[Burnsallbabe]

Hi

Has anyone else with Lupus experienced increased dental decay and weak teeth?

Louise

[teaparty]

yes I have and its costing me a fortune ib dental fees. x

[hazelHollingsworth in reply to teaparty]

See Below from me, Hazel. xx

[dgleds]

yes around the time it all began to happen to me, I suddenly needed root canals and things pulled...I have always had nice teeth, so it bummed me out big time

[bevjane74]

Yeah couldn't undersrand why until I had the diagnosis - I'm also frightened of dentists as well so it's something I could really do without

[hazelHollingsworth in reply to bevjane74]

See below from me , Hazel.zz

[hazelHollingsworth]

YES and after 30 years of Lupus I have found out the cause 'DRY MOUTH' and I only found that out by chance. I had to go to the dental hospital for a tooth removed (I need a steroid injection before and my dentist can't do it) The Dentist I saw was the top man and he was teaching 3 students. He asked me several questions, one of these was do I tend to need to drink because my mouth feels dry. Yes - he did a few more tests and said I had 'Dry Mouth' (There was another name but I can neither remember or pronounce!) and that was what was causing the decay. Because there is non/not much Natural saliva that 'washes the teeth' they are attacked and made worse by the Lupus SLE. I have been given spray, gel and Loz. to use as I need them and are now on my repeat script. This was 2 years ago and I have had no more problems and my own dentist say they are much improved, your dentist can also give you a prescription for special toothpaste, I don't pay for my scripts so you need to price it up if you have to pay. It is Colgate - Duraphat 5000ppm Fluoride. Good luck Louise and get your dentist to refer you to get it checked out, that costs you nothing or if it is a big Dental practice they may be able to do it.

[Hidden in reply to hazelHollingsworth]

Thank you so much for this post. I have had the same issues for the best part of twenty years and this is the first time I have seen anything that sounds like a logical explanation of my problem. My dental hygiene is very good, my dentist always comments on how well I look after my teeth! That hasn't stopped them getting very loose and eventually having to be extracted. The 'dry mouth' explanation would fit very well with my situation and I'll run it past my dentist next time I see her. Thanks.

[bevjane74]

It sounds like sjorgrens pronounced shore grins - I have that too - so it causes lots of mouth issues my dentist won't refer me to the dental hospital but because of the amount of work I need doing and if I get a tooth pulled I suffer from dry socket so need my gums stitched to stop that happening it would be easier to knock me to sleep and do all the work at once - I'm currently asking ny gp to refer me cos my dentists attitude is really bad towards me its as if he thinks I've willingly neglected my teeth and I haven't at all

[hazelHollingsworth in reply to bevjane74]

Hi Bevjane, Yep that was what he said. Yes get your Doctor to refer you, sound like your dentist is more interested in the money he will make from you! Tell them it is affecting your health and are getting depressed over it, that should give them an extra push as they might be a bit reluctant as it costs them about £150 for referrals, stick to your guns and remember WE are paying their wages. Good luck..x

[ladybird4 in reply to bevjane74]

Hi bevjane74. I've always had poor teeth with multiple fillings, had 3 teeth pulled in last 18 months, due to cracking and breaking off below gumline (age 52) and each time with resulting "dry socket" 3 weeks of pain each time and really wears you down, no matter how much you strive to be brave. I've come to the conclusion that as I take plaquenil, this thins my blood a bit and prevents the natural clot from forming in the tooth post extraction as it should. Clots had always formed for extractions before I took Plaquenil. I had my gum stitched also last time but that made little difference, the healing was still so very slow. I know I will need further teeth extractions in the future but think I should delay and come off plaquenil a set time beforehand to avoid the awful pain of "dry socket". No painkiller i've tried goes close to alleviating this jaw ache. If you were given any particular high level painkiller during your "dry socket" please let me know, as the strongest I could get was paramol from Chemist (Counter) and that didn't help me.

Dentist does say "oh dear" poor you, but doesn't come up with a prescription for any decent analgesic, honestly I've felt like asking for a strong dose of local just to numb me for a few hours to get a rest from it.

[Burnsallbabe]

Thank you for your responces. I do get a dry mouth but thought I was just thirsty. My dentist is very good he has prescribed Duraphat toothpaste. I buy a pre-paid Precription certificate costs £104 a year split over 10 months so I'm covered for charges..... Phew

[rlupus]

My teeth have become week through al the medication i am on and every time i go to the dentist i have to have antibiotic cover but i still get abces.

[Jake1001]

I was diagnose with discoid lupus 6 years ago and sle last year and do far I have had to have 7 top teeth removed my dentist has put it down to receding gums and because I still smoke although not a heavy smoker I am glad to see this post . He did make me a plate but I choke every time I try to wear it and I now have another loose tooth totally demented as he says there's norhing can be done

[Pipido36]

Hi,

I have been having same problems for a longtime now. My dentist though I wasn't brushing my teeth properly until she learnt about Lupus. I have just had a root canal treatment on my tooth today and it is the second one. all my teeth are so tender and loose! I feel like I will wake up one day with no teeth! I use mouth wash and toothpaste for sensitive teeth but no help!! If you find a solution please share. Take care!!