Teeth

[MsLibra]

I have lost several teeth lately - has anyone else experienced this?

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

Many PBC patients experience teeth and gum problems, often of a serious nature. If you have dry mouth from Sjogrens, this contributes to the lack of moisture to your gums as well. If anyone else has teeth problems, please share any of your experiences.

[Bramleyb]

Hi - I haven't experienced tooth loss yet, but my dentist thinks I have tooth resorption where the immune system attacks the tooth. Internal resorption can be treated if caught early, which is usually via an x-ray. It's usually connected with mouth trauma, which I haven't had, but there seem to be more people experiencing it. I have seen one article that mentions liver disease as a potential link, but I asked my liver consultant about it but he'd never heard of it.

[MsLibra in reply to Bramleyb]

Thanks for the info.

[zinchunter]

I had this about 10 years ago. Teeth were being destroyed between 6 monthly dental appointments! I was on very high fluoride toothpaste only available on prescription. After a number of crowns and 2 implants the problem disappeared, but I don't know why. I do drink much more water these days. I do hope that you find a resolution. Best wishes

[Godsdaughter70]

I have been fighting receding gums for years with very strong teeth. I've only ever had issues with my back teeth due to aggressive ice chewing as an adolescent. I've paid more money than I care to think about for dental work only to have it fail or fall out. My teeth began crumbling the last couple of years. I was sent to periodontists but never having gum disease. They told me to stop brushing so hard. Ugh. Never did. I even bought post oral surgery toothbrushes and was one to floss many times toothbrushes the day because I didn't like the feel of food between my teeth. Super healthy gums except for the receding. October of 2022 I decided I'd had enough and moved forward with having all of my teeth pulled to have All-On-4 implants put in. Well, here it is February 2024 and I still don't have my final set. My gum tissue has continued to recede causing them to have to rescan everything and make adjustments with a new set. I do have some bruxism issues but it seemed to have gone away until about 4 or 5 months ago. I'm really hoping I'll get my final set soon and never have teeth issues again. 🙏🏼

[MsLibra in reply to Godsdaughter70]

Oh dear - that sounds horrendous. Have they linked it with PBC?

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Godsdaughter70]

so sorry to read about all of these issues for you... hope it all comes to an end soon. Have you ever been diagnosed with Sjogrens? dry mouth issues?

[MsLibra in reply to DonnaBoll]

Hi Donna - no I haven't. Is this something you have experienced?

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to MsLibra]

No I have not. So many members of another support group have had some serious dental problems. Like I mentioned many who do have dry mouth health conditions that affect the overall circulation to their gums and teeth overall.

[Godsdaughter70 in reply to DonnaBoll]

I have not but no one has ever really asked me about it. I have an appointment with my liver specialist this month and I'm hoping to see a rheumatologist soon.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Godsdaughter70]

it might be worth checking out as Sjogrens (dry mouth and eyes) is so common with PBC. Since you are seeing a rheumatologist just mention it to him maybe.