Teeth problems!

[Dibs]

My teeth are starting to suffer being on steroids, such as my fillings are falling out and my teeth are cracking and breaking off. I drink milk and take adcal and alendronic acid. Does anyone else have this problem?

[triker]

Hi Dibs, You are not on your own. I've had three teeth break off in eight weeks and even one filling replaced three times over the same period. I've told my GP. I've been on a reducing steroid programme (from 15mg of Pred) for the past 16 months. Over a year ago, the rheumy said I was discharged . I wondered if a bone scan would help, I was one in the poll who mentioned that factor. My dentist blames the Adcal I take, which has been prescribed since, as being a problem - so after the fillings I have been given penicillin based antibibiotics.

I wonder if we can insist on a re-visit to the Rheumy and can I insist on a bone scan. I know the NHS has to make saviongs but help would be appreciated.

Good luck, Dibs, you have a fellow team member with you!

Triker

otics.

[Dibs in reply to triker]

Thanks Triker it's good to know I'm not alone but not good about the teeth! I'm having a dexa scan in October which I had to push for. My last one being three yrs ago. My Rheumy insists I'm too young to have PMR but I have all the symptoms which he puts down to Fibromyalgia. He has even said it could be Lupus as I have a positive ANA etc., but says that the medication I'm on would be the same for all conditions. I think it would be nice knowing what I did have? I have to admit he is not the most helpful.

Do you also have trouble with your eyes?

Have a good day and thank you for your reply. :o)

[jinasc]

Rear the side effects on Alendronic Acid. This drug can and does lead to Jaw Necrosis, you need to see a Dentist asap and also your GP and get off it.

Was your bone density loss after you had a Dexa scan the reason you where put on AA?

There are other biophosantes if you really need to take them.

[Dibs in reply to jinasc]

Thanks Sambucca I'll make an appt asap for both. as I've been taking it for 4 yrs I forget to read the side effects so thank you.

My first scan showed osteopenia, that was 3 yrs ago. But my GP automatically put me on all tablets once I was put on pred.

I,ll let you know what GP says.

[jinasc]

"can I insist on a bone scan"

You should have been offered a Dexa Scan, either on diagnosis or 6 months after being on long term steroids to determine a base line. Read the BSR Guidelines on Diagnosis and Treatment of both PMR and GCA. These can be found under Useful Medical Information on pmr-gca-northeast.org.uk or use google for NHS and BSR.

[Polywotsit PMRGCAuk team member]

Hi there - the BSR guidelines are also available on the Resources section of our website - pmrgcauk.com/resources_publ...