My son has MS. He takes copoxone every three days by injection. His teeth have become so brittle that they have broken off at the gum . Any input or help on this matter.
Dental decay and MS or is it Medication - My MSAA Community
Dental decay and MS or is it Medication
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Christopher04
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Wow I thought I was alone here now I am 58 and was diagnosed in 2007 but I put a lot of money in my mouth over the years but I notice in the last 6 months I was getting cavities at an alarming rate, my dentis told me she had no idea what was causing this but all of the enamel on all of my teeth is gone and she has no idea why along with that the natural bacteria in our mouths is way out of balance no idea why for this either so long story short I'm going to have to have all my teeth extracted and the only common denominator is that I've been on Tysabri fo the last 2 years but she can't confirm if it's the cause or not but my teeth are brittle and eroded so the damage is done even if she find the answer it's too late
So good luck if you find an answer I would appreciate an update as to why
The meds don't seem to be the culprit because ever since I started Aubagio last summer I noticed the enamel wearing off one tooth and now I can see it happening to one beside it. Could MS be the problem? I have an appt with my neuro tomorrow and hopefully I remember to ask him.
Georgeinwv From what I have been researching, it is a symptom of MS. The lowering of the immune system caused by MS will usually hit any part of the body that may be weak in any particular person's DNA. Any medication we take decreases that autoimmune system, also. That's why "the MSers" stress such a high antioxidant diet, veggies, fruits, above DMR of vitamins and minerals (I take 5,000 mg of Vit C for example), no preservatives or chemicals, etc. My lungs are my weak area, so I constantly fight bronchitis, asthma, etc., have for 20 years, due to the MS weakening my system. Also, have gum disease, so chew gum with xylitol after eating anything cause don't always have energy to brush, gargle frequently with dentist mouthwash. It's a never ending battle, but remember we are the Warriors!!! And will find a weapon to battle every new symptom!
Thank you for explaining this... I didn't understand why I was having dental issues... But I've had MS for 19 years and I'm always in denial of the obvious answers of why my body is falling apart... I forget? I have MS... I was busy blaming the meds... Thank you for your post!!! I'm in denial again...
Hi, I 33 years old and I have always had nice teeth but lately my teeth has been cracking all the way down to my gums. I was diagnosed with RRMS 3 years ago. Please keep me updated because I am going to get dental implants this month.
I was 3o when I was diagnosed. In the whole opioids are safe era. They put me on baclofen, requip, oxy, methadone, fentanyl transferral etc. Half of those cause dry mouth. Had a perfect smile at 33. I stopped all meds 5 years ago and I'm only on methadone for pain. That dries your mouth out severely according to my neurologist. My Rheumatologist was perscriber. Just had 2 more pulled today. Teeth. Getting bleach from bottoms up. Very self conscious. Smile is first thing pple notice. Now it's not only having to explain y there like that but the usual follow up of ms? You don't look sick. Hope u ask about ur meds bud. I was on rebif for 2 years. I still go to gym, on dis/ss. No consistency in work. I really hope u look into meds and also talk to Neuro about dry mouth and Ms/teeth. Many articles I'm finding w an ice pack on my jaw. Stop it now my friend. Beat of luck.
Steve
Thank you for posting this... This has happened to me this month and I just didn't want to truly accept what was happening to me? Thank you for sharing this... I may need implants too?
Hi Christphoper04 I am Fancy1959. How old is yor son? This is absolutely one of the most horrific side affects i have ever heard of! The only thing I can think to tell you is to get a hold of your son's Neurologist and have them talk to the Copaxon Rep they deal with to see if any studies done on the drug has shown basic total destruction of the teeth/mouth as a side effect. I would then speak to your son's neurologist to see what other therapies might possibly be available for your son to begin. At the same time I would be finding a dentist I trust inexplicably to try to salvage what he/she could of your son's teeth. if your son's teeth/mouth destruction is as bad as it sounds he might wind up having to go to a teaching University of Dentistry where he can get more intense reconstruction and detailed help with rebuilding his teeth, gums, etc. then a local dentist can offer. Tell him good luck. Don't waste a minute getting him help. And shout out if you need someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry, or even someone to vent your frustrations at. I'm a pretty good listener.... I've got three sons and I just can't imagine what you are going through......
Hello Christopher04, I am sorry to hear about your sons teeth. I have been on copaxone for 8 years with an injection every day. I have not had any more problems with my teeth than normal for my age.
I've heard that it's possible and there have been reports of copaxone patients having these side effects
Hello Christopher 02 it is Fancy1959. I actually have three sons. They are ages 23, 21, and 19. And to my pride and joy they are all three Eagle Scouts. I was very involved in scouting before I became sick. Boy did the four of us and my husband make memories together through scouting. They are times I will treasure forever and always look back on fondly as I find myself unable to enjoy the activities I used to do. I don't want to forget that I have a wonderful daughter who is actually my step daughter, but she's my girl . She lives in Atlanta with a wonderfulot son-in-law and two beautiful grandbabies. A granddaughter age six and a grandson almost at 5. Why am I blessed or what. And what's most special of all is even though I'm fighting MS I know I will be there to watch my son's get married, have babies, and to see my other grand babies in Atlanta grow up. Stay strong and stay together and keep fighting this monster we call MS.
Thank you for your encouragement. God Bless.
sorry to say; that is why I stopped copaxone. I had six teeth extracted, and its still going on. You're right, they just "snap" off// The neuro said "could" be the drug.. too late now!!
lol
Did the company do anything to help you? Christophers teeth are all broken off now and he has only Medicaid for insurance.
Christopher :no, they "encouraged" me to stay ON the copaxone; which fyi doesn't even help with secondary primary.! As with most drs, etc they think we should "keep " fighting and getting nowhere. It's a really BAD side effect, I am so sorry your son, so young, he has to deal with this now..
Hope you can find a good dentist, with a heart.. after a few trys, we did, and he's taking it "a tooth at a time"..
Think about keep trying for them to help, may be worth it.A hand written complaint works far better than email.I have two friends young in life went with dentures and no regrets.First month procedures etc but now they are at least no dental issues and eat better, no more antibiotics for that. Medicare etc may pay easier for that.
Has this been reported to drug Manufacturer or FDA? They might be helpful in securing some assistance for dental coverage.
I haven't had any treatments yet, but have been plagued by dental issues the last few years. As matter of fact, going to dentist today because $8000. bridge work and posts from last year have suddenly started hurting.
OMG! Explains why I've had 2 just fall apart. I'm almost afraid to ask, but has anyone had trouble with the enamel on there teeth?
Hi, Yes I have this year I woke up to brush my teeth and my front tooth broke. The only thing I could do was cry but after that week more of my teeth broke. This month I have been going to the dentist so much that they know who I am. I'm suppose to get dental implants next month.
I am scared and want to cry too, my two teeth cracked from eating foods I had always eaten but down to my gumbs...it has scared & reminded me there is so much in having MS that isn't known or acknowledged as a problem. I'm thankful for these posts because my doctor always looks at me like these aren't issues connected to MS or the meds.
Since diagnosis in October 2009, my teeth have fallen apart. My dentist and neurologist said it was a combination of long term steroid use, dry mouth due to multiple medications, reduced response to inflammation due to my DMD. April 30 I had all my upper teeth pulled and got an upper denture. I had to have a crown and 8 fillings on the bottom and I have a lower partial denture. I'm in hog heaven now!! And I have a beautiful smile. It's pricey though. Cost me $15,000 and was worth every penny. I was on Betaseron for two years and have been on Copaxone for three and a half years
My son had three steroid treatment due to the MS and fatigue. Also his doctor switched him to the three day a week Copaxone. He suffered two perferrated ulcers and a blocked intestine. He was also taking pain meds at the time. He is now out of work, (was a CNA) and has no income. SSD denied him so now he is in appeal and has a lawyer to fight for him. The lawyer said it may be 12 to 14 more months before he gets a hearing. What help is out there for him? As i said before all his teeth have become brittle and broke off. He lost his insurance when he could no longer work and only has medicaid now. Help someone. PLEASE
Christopher04 Have you contacted MSAA, NMS, and all the other groups associated with MS? Keep bugging the lawyer. Before I had to take disability, I worked for 2 disability lawyers, and the clients that called monthly were the ones we kept working on their case and trying to find assistance! With all the non-citizens getting so much help, there must be someone out there to find you help. Also, check out MS.net, another chat room that might have someone in a similar program. His doctor is the one who should be fighting the hardest for medical assistance; they have financial offices that know so many organizations. May God lead you to an organization that will help. Try local churches, also, There are some sincere ones.
Hi, when I was diagnosed with Ms I also was denied ssd. I was told by my lawyer to get my doctor to write a statement saying I couldn't work and why. Once the letter was submitted, I was approved.
How long ago was That? I have heard there are so many people that actually got on disability that didn't need it they just deny automatically now until they can't deny any longer.
You might want to try MS Society and MS Foundation!!!
The 3x week 40mL drug label was (or is) incorrect. Message me and I can explain why.
Why is it wrong.
If you were given the option of the 7x week OR the 3x week injections, compare the drug labels for each (I was given a copy of each). The 20 ml list of contraindications has 5-6x more than the 40 ml (double the dose but not the same or worse effects?)
So sorry to hear about your son's teeth. I have always had strong teeth but terrible gums. I was dx'ed in 2010 at age 57. In the last 2 years, I have been told by my dentist that I am losing bone that hold the teeth, and that it is due to the MS. I am on Tecfidera and don't know whether this is a side effect of the drug.
Hi Sukie427! I was on Tec for 2 years and my teeth started rotting away at an alarming rate. I would have them filled and before you knew it more would come. All are at the gumline, some place I've never had any decay. I am a 6 month exam kinda girl for more than 35 years and had great teeth, flossing every meal, waterpik twice a day and brushing at least twice a day. Now my dentist said all the enamel is gone and it's time for dentures, something I don't have the $$$ for. I never smile anymore, talk without moving my lips as much as I can, I'm terribly embarrassed and disheartened. I'm no on Tysabri and we'll see if all this decaying continues.
OMG, Caralach, so sorry to hear! I am like you--have always taken care of my teeth and done everything I can to control the periodontal issues. I have lost so much bone that my three front bottom teeth and some of my wisdom teeth are loose and I am scared to death that I am going to end up with dentures or implants, but I don't even know if I have enough bone to support implants. And who can afford it? Medicare doesn't pay for it (at least I think it doesn't) and I don't have dental insurance and certainly can't get it now. Since the MS gets positively horrible when I am stressed, I guess I will have to try not to worry about it until they start falling out........
Sukie427 My dentist gave me mouthwash (sold me) mouthwash that I use 3 times a day that has halted my periodontal disease. Also, chewing gum with xylitol every time I eat anything, even a snack, has also greatly stopped the gum disease. And using those little hand held brushes as flossing really help deal with stress. My dentist said I stopped my bone loss!! Like our other symptoms, we gotta find new weapons for the new battles!
I've had the same thing happen to me, but I didn't attribute it to my MS. I've also had breast cancer, so I thought my teeth issues (perfect, mind you, until about 10 years ago) were do to the massive amounts of chemo and radiation that I went through. I was diagnosed with MS in 2000, breast cancer in 2005. It's hard to say if my teeth issues are now due to the MS, the cancer treatments or, now, my "old" age. The first incident - I bit down on a bacon bit from a salad I was eating and it literally shattered one of my molars to pieces.
Have doc do vitamin hormone tests.I noticed depletion because of several meds....Also caffeine sucks it away.I was a cavity person since child.A saliva problem.....but get this..Crest White strips work so well with me its been 4 years no cavities?!I hate dentist but grateful also.Even they were shocked.I put a toothbush in the main rooms 4 of them so as a reminder...ocd, teeth......check floride level also especially if you filter....
@Christopher04
I joined recently and am now seeing this thread ...
Please go to the FDA website FDA.gov and file a MedWatch report form. (Not necessary to fill in every single field. ) It is the only way they will learn about safety issues for a drug that has already been approved.
Just found this post. I recently started a new post about cavities and immunosuppressants. I was on copaxone for 10 years and then gilenya for 1 1/2 years. I just started ocrevus. How would I know which drug caused my recent 7 cavities and broken tooth to file an FDA report? Also solumedrol many times.
(glatiramer acetate injection)copaxone made by Teva
fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/...
I filed a report with the FDA
Christopher04, oh my..i hear this time and time again.1 an doc do a vitamin defiency testst?When I was a toddler they told my mom my saliva was different and was culprit.Hate dentists..well just going.3 years ago I started using Crest White strips(special kind)...and glad to say for the last 4 years NO CAVATIES.Asked dentist if I couldn't get out of bed which was more important to teeth...brushing or flossing.Flossing no doubt because it breaks the chain of bacteria.Some Antibiotics for sure cause dental probs.lis one, a need to know!
Me too! I was always the smiler. But not anymore. I work but no dental. Does disability pay for dentures?
OMG I have had teeth cracked off at the gumline recently too. I was on copaxone for years and haven't used any other DMD except ampyra. It has to be the copaxone! I thought it was just me but now I see a lot of people that have used or are using copaxone are suffering from this same condition. Seems like a class action suit is in order!!!!
So I can share my horrid story. First off, I’m 48, diagnosed in 2006 and have been on Tysarbi for about 5 years. I had nice teeth all my life with only minor issues, filing here, filing there. After diagnosis, dental issues began. To date, I have had numerous root canals, more than I can remember or count. Why can’t I remember, because I lost almost all of them. It has be torturous to say the least. All this time, not knowing or realizing that this could be caused by MS. I brushed and flossed everyday, sometimes flossing multiple times daily. Still, teeth continue to worsen. I became embarrassed, thinking the dentist may not believe me. All the while, never once suggesting MS could be a factor. I have moved several times, therefore needing a dentist and having to explain all of these past issues. I now have no back teeth top or bottom. Was working on getting bridges & partials, when I recently (2 weeks ago) developed 4 Cavities on my bottom right and 3 on bottom left....mind you, still no back teeth. Had all of those filled and one week ago (New Years Eve-longggg weekend), pain began, abscess developed. Doc gave me antibiotics, didn’t touch the swelling or abscess. Suffered for 5 days til office was opened. Then doc gave new antibiotic and steroids. Nothing, still did nothing. Next day, front tooth broke right down the middle, leaving me with a big monsterous gap between my teeth. So, new appointment made for this coming Tuesday. Oh but wait, not so easy, just developed another abscess (different tooth, but one that was just filled) while on antibiotics. Doc gave my Tylenol 3 until Monday (they changed my appt to get me in sooner). Said if my face swells up over the weekend, go to the ER.
It has been suggested that implants are not an option, most likely body will reject them, just like all the root canals. So, with all of this, I’m contemplating having them all removed. Above the pain, I am so upset, I can’t stand it. I can’t fathom the thought of dentures after all the work (and money) I’ve done to try to save my teeth. I feel no one around (family/friends) understands the pain and agony I’m going through. Sorry for the dreary post, but I needed to vent and honestly, felt a little better finding this post. I am now seeing a connection that took me til recently to realize there may actually be a connection. Any suggestions or thoughts? Thanks for listening.
That's whats happening to me I have; not bragging right now a Cardi B ( lol ) Straight nice smile even had ZOOM Whitening done. I am totally afraid of implants and have spent thousands. These hidden side effects from medications hair loss etc.. so unfair! So thinking of just Vitamin D and eating green and clean!
Peace and Blessings
NeeC
Wow, thank you...all this is helping!
I have been experiencing this too. I just posted about it. Im new and just joined how old is your son?
48
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