Dental issues

[Jamaica21]

I am experiencing receding gums in my opinion occurring during a flare. Dentist says there is no remedy. Am I right this could be lupus related issues

[Jmiller623]

Yes. Receding gum line is seen in quite a few connective tissue diseases. I also have this and was told I’d need a bone graft if they recede too far. They tried to sell me a $700 mouthguard for bruxism despite never grinding my teeth (at least consciously). I also have TMJ problems.

[Jamaica21 in reply to Jmiller623]

Hi JmillerThanks for replying. A bone graft? How exactly would that work. Sounds terrifying. Kind of a relief to find out it is SLE related because I didn't think my diet had changed.

My dentist suggested seeing the hygienist. I may consider.

😊

[Jmiller623 in reply to Jamaica21]

I have no clue what it entails. My response was the same as yours. Wth is that!? I never went back to find out. Thought it was BS and they were pulling my leg, but here we are talking about receding gum lines because it is a REAL issue in lupus. I think it may happen in Sjögrens too because of dry mouth. Scleroderma definitely has issues as well. Let me know what you find out and if anything works! Sending hugs. ❤️xx

[Jamaica21 in reply to Jmiller623]

Sorry your reply made me lol 😆But yes if I find out anything will let you know.

[Jmiller623 in reply to Jamaica21]

Humor is a prominent coping technique of mine. Laugh away. It was meant to catch a chuckle. If we can’t laugh at ourselves now, we’d be in big trouble.

[Jamaica21 in reply to Jmiller623]

That's been my problem. I find humour in everything. Let's keep laughing 😅 our issues away

[Lupusrelative in reply to Jamaica21]

Definitely see the hygienist. They may do a deep cleaning under the gums which usually helps. A night guard has helped me a lot as I clench my teeth constantly. Helps to relax the muscles in the face too.

[Jamaica21 in reply to Lupusrelative]

Hi Lupusrelative

Deep cleaning under the gums not sure how that works but I am persuaded to visit the hygienist. If she doesn't mention it I can ask about it.

Thanks

[WinterSwimmer in reply to Jamaica21]

I have massive bone loss due to gum disease - which started well before lupus was diagnosed. Back then, I had regular ulcers and abcesses and my gums were often inflamed and sore. I was told it was a hygiene issue. For ages I saw hygienist three monthly, then monthly, I flossed, used a water jet, tried every brush and toothpaste under the sun, cleaned after ever meal -and ultimately had a series of visits to the dental hospital to have the gums scraped. None of it made a blind bit of difference and I lost a lot of teeth.

I no longer have those issues - although I have to live with the bone and tooth loss. But my mouth is healthy now. What is different? I brush with an ordinary toothbrush an ordinary number of times, see my dentist like an ordinary person and take medication for lupus. I get occasional gum inflammation which I take very seriously and treat with hot salty water mouth washes and extra careful attention to hygiene. I have a good relationship with my dentist.

I am no expert but my view is this: I suspect - but cannot prove - that the initial problems of inflammation, ulcers and accesses were lupus related. Hygiene is not the initial problem, but once your gums develop 'pockets' it is irremediable and hygiene becomes super important. Does make some kind of sense?

[Jamaica21 in reply to WinterSwimmer]

Hi Winterswimmer

Yes it does make sense and very useful information. Funnily enough I tried salty water this week as a last result. Great to know all the expensive types of toothpaste on the market are not helpful.

Thank you

[Karm]

HiFirst off love the name ! And second, I have realised that I suffer with it also, it's not something my dentist actually told me about or made me aware of, I noticed myself. I had to have a false tooth and since having that I noticed the gum line going further back, due to Covid I have not been able to see a dentist about it, but I'm glad that you mentioned it as it has taught me something and I now know it is lupus related. So thank you for that! I am going to see if I can get anymore info about it.

If you do find any info please let us know.

👍🏾

[Jamaica21 in reply to Karm]

Hi Karm thanks for your reply. My dentist didn't have a solution. When I went to the dentist I was concerned about one tooth now its three. I have been going through a flare for over a year now. Its very concerning and can't imagine loosing my teeth especially the front ones. The dentist did suggest seeing the hygienist so may consider that but doubtful they will have any solutions. I suspect I will be going down the false teeth route 😬Will let you know if I get any workable solutions.

[maggielee]

It horrible to have the added problem of dental issues and many have it. Sjogrens is one of the diseases where often have dental issues & it often overlaps with lupus. Do you get dry mouthed?

Also, it can possibly be changes in the 'components of your saliva' & flares can't help.

I have been advised by dentists & oral surgeon to go every three months to a hygienist (mine) works with my dentist. Ensure you regularly clean & floss & use an electric toothbrush and or water pick/ oral irrigation, use an alcohol free mouthwash, especially if you do have a dry mouth. Floss/use teepee brushes, etc. Watch your diet of sweets etc.

Take a look at bssa.uk.net PDF 'Management of dry mouth & failing teeth - British Sjogrens Syndrome Association.

Also, you can listen to Dr. Price who will be speaking online for Lupus UK at the end of the month about sjogrens and she may touch on mouth care....check Lupus UK for details about joining to listen to her talk & Q&A session...

Sorry your dentist sounded so pessimistic & try your best to help your mouth biology as long as possible & maybe even consider a second opinion.... 🤗 ml

[Jamaica21 in reply to maggielee]

Hi Maggielee,I don't have dry mouth and I do the strategies you mentioned flossing etc.

Alcohol free mouth wash will look into this.

I did try signing up for the virtual sessions but being unwell I couldn't work it out. I will look into it now since my brain is slightly less fuzzy.

I will also check out that link.

Thank you 😊

[Cas70]

Hi - I don’t know where you are based BUT a bit ludicrous and typical of dentists who are ignorant about auto immune disease. My dentist is brilliant. First, if you can buy or get on prescription Colgate Duraphat 5000 toothpaste. Is a fluoride toothpaste. When you have brushed, DONT rinse. Leave it. There is a USA product a lozenge called Xylimelts that you pop on your gum or tooth overnight that keeps your mouth moist and assists the gums. Sugar and dehydration are the cause of gum problems for us. Try the website mouthulcershop - they have a great range of products. Change your dentist !! No need for excruciating and costly procedures- best of luck Cas 70

[Jamaica21 in reply to Cas70]

Hi Cas70 thanks for your reply. I am based in the UK.Will definitely check out your suggestions. Maybe available on Amazon.

Thanks so much x