Thyroid and gum/teeth health: I'm sure ive read... - Thyroid UK

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Thyroid and gum/teeth health

metamorphica profile image
51 Replies

I'm sure ive read about how thyroid conditions can effect the health of gum and teeth health.

I just had an appointment with my dentist who told me i have the start of gum disease then passively accused me of not doing enough to keep my teeth clean when i do everything)brush/flossand mouthwash every day!).

I have always had good health in my teeth...until i started have issues with my thyroid.

Does anyone have any good articles regarding how the thyroid can effect your mouth? as my dentist had never heard of the connection.

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metamorphica
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51 Replies
jimh111 profile image
jimh111

It affects my dental health, considerably when I was very hypo. I searched for research papers but couldn’t find anything other than a very old paper written in Russian.

humanbean profile image
humanbean

I just did a web search for "effects of thyroid disease on teeth" and quite a few links came up

duckduckgo.com/?q=effects+o...

metamorphica profile image
metamorphica in reply to humanbean

I'll have a look through them to see if there are any an NHS dentist would take as 'worthwhile' to read. Cheers!

jimh111 profile image
jimh111 in reply to humanbean

Thanks for this information. I did a Pubmed search a few years ago and found nothing. I can't remember what keywords I used but obviously theu weren't very good.

This is useful because in my complaint about Imperial Healthcare Trust I included details of needing very expensive dental treatment as a consequence of my trial of coming off LT3 and the inability to make contact with the endocrinologist. This gives the opportunity of considering a compensation claim if I don't get a useful response. I haven't heard back from them yet.

pennyannie profile image
pennyannie in reply to humanbean

It is interesting as my dentist was instrumental in my getting better thyroid hormone treatment - true, it meant I ended up self medicating and the financial costs I incurred replacing teeth was substantial as a retired single woman, but the NHS dental plate in my bottom front jaw would fall out if I tried to speak to anyone.

I blamed my issues on the long term consequences of RAI as I had no saliva for around 2 years and after around 18 months of various NHS O/P appointments for lip biopsy, colonoscopy and endoscopy. the NHS found nothing wrong except a low ferritin, and referred to me as a conundrum which, by then, for me was the last straw.

I've no doubt it's all connected.

Anthea55 profile image
Anthea55

Fluoride is bad for the thyroid.

I use non-fluoride toothpaste which seems to be good - mind you my dentist has given up trying to get me to go back to fluoride toothpaste.

metamorphica profile image
metamorphica in reply to Anthea55

if i mention the idea id stop using fluoride i think i'd lose any sort of chance to not be seen as someone who doesnt look after their teeth. They are married to the idea of fluoride as the only thing that works.

Sadly i have yet to find a non fluoride toothpaste that works on sensitive teeth.

Zephyrbear profile image
Zephyrbear in reply to metamorphica

I too have sensitive teeth and I have been using Equilibra Aloe gel since I went to Curaçao in 2018 and my dentist remarked that my gum health had actually improved. Another alternative, which I have literally just started using is Optima AloeDent which is quite a bit cheaper. They are both fluoride free and are available from eBay and Amazon. The ingredients are the same and they both have CQ10 in them.

I told my dentist that I’d stopped using fluoride toothpaste and he has been very good with me, especially after he was surprised by my gum health improvement. If you feel your dentist won’t understand, don’t tell him…

thyr01d profile image
thyr01d in reply to Zephyrbear

Hi Zephyrbear, please could you add links to the gel/toothpastes? I searched Amazon and found so many I didn't know which were correct. Many thanks

Zephyrbear profile image
Zephyrbear in reply to thyr01d

Link for AloeDent on Amazon: amazon.co.uk/Triple-Action-...

It seems the Equilibra Aloe Gel seems to have disappeared from both Amazon and eBay, but the AloeDent should do the job just as well. There's actually very little difference between the two ingredient wise.

thyr01d profile image
thyr01d in reply to Zephyrbear

Thank you, sadly that one doesn't treat sensitive teeth, perhaps the Equilibra will come back.

Zephyrbear profile image
Zephyrbear in reply to thyr01d

If you have a look further down the page, you will find they actually do a sensitive one too, link here: amazon.co.uk/ALOE-Sensitive...

thyr01d profile image
thyr01d in reply to Zephyrbear

Thank you, that's kind of you to take the trouble to send the link. I'm delighted because it's also cruelty free and vegan.

Anthea55 profile image
Anthea55 in reply to thyr01d

I googled and see that Holland & Barrett also stock Aloe Dent Sensitive.

thyr01d profile image
thyr01d in reply to Anthea55

Thanks Anthea, that's very helpful

metamorphica profile image
metamorphica in reply to Zephyrbear

sadly cant touch that as i cant use anything with tea tree. So yeah i saw that one and thought it might be good, but many have tea tree in.

thyr01d profile image
thyr01d in reply to Zephyrbear

Hallo again, I've had a look at that one and although it is labelled 'sensitive', that seems to be soothing for gum sensitivity, it doesn't mention tooth sensitivity. Do you know better though from experience?

Zephyrbear profile image
Zephyrbear in reply to thyr01d

I don’t use the sensitive one, but I do have sensitive teeth and the first one I mentioned works fine for me. The only way to find out is to try it, I guess.

Blissful profile image
Blissful in reply to metamorphica

They are married to the idea of fluoride as the only thing that works.

Like the rest of the medical curriculum, most dentists have been INDOCTRINATED (and often incentivised) to push the fluoride story. Fluoride calcifies the pineal gland and that is a very effective way to create the "zombified" state.

thyr01d profile image
thyr01d in reply to metamorphica

I have found two, Biomed, and, even better, Splatt. Like you I went from having very good teeth to not when my thyroid condition was not properly treated. Luckily I had an excellent dentist and resolved the thyroid problem and so far have had no further tooth problems - though I would love to find an NHS dentist.

metamorphica profile image
metamorphica in reply to thyr01d

oh i found biomed (Biomed and Splat are same company - splat is the europe name called Biocalm, here its called biomed. but same ingredients and price ( superdrug to amazon)

edit - found the professional version here is called Biocalcium.

SO ill be getting the Splat biocalm via amazon to start with

thyr01d profile image
thyr01d in reply to metamorphica

thanks for your research Metamorphica, and I hope the toothpaste works as well for you as it does for me.

Regenallotment profile image
Regenallotment in reply to metamorphica

hygienist told me I had the start of gum disease last week. New for me, I have no fillings, electric sonic toothbrush. She showed me I’d been brushing my teeth wrong all this time and gave me interdental sticks and told me to floss the front ones twice a day. Gums look better already. I asked her about fluoride and as I have no decay she said she didn’t see why fluoride would be necessary if it comprised my health. If I had cavities she said the answer would be different.

metamorphica profile image
metamorphica in reply to Regenallotment

yeah i use interdentals over flossing, much better.

Regenallotment profile image
Regenallotment in reply to metamorphica

never used them before, it was like torture first few days but seems better now. Do you use the same one for ages? I can’t bear to chuck it? I found some with wooden handles as the plastic element bothers me. But they are pricey so am hoping to make them last. 🌱

metamorphica profile image
metamorphica in reply to Regenallotment

i use silicone ones, not the ones with metal cores as i cant bear them. I use each one about 3 times before binning them as they break down. But im now looking at a water flosser. More initial investment but better in the long run

Hypopotamus profile image
Hypopotamus

I also have done everything to look after my teeth and gums, but have suffered with gum erosion leading to teeth issues. I went years undiagnosed with hypothyroidism, and then more years not properly treated.

My current dentist explained that there is no enamel on the part of the tooth beneath the gum, so when that is exposed by gum erosion, it is quickly eroded by sugar and acid etc.

thyr01d profile image
thyr01d in reply to Hypopotamus

Hi Hypopotamus, same history as you and that's very interesting about teeth where there is no enamel, thanks for telling us.

Regenallotment profile image
Regenallotment in reply to Hypopotamus

ah that explains the concern about gum health and build up of plaque. Thanks for explaining 🌱

Milkyway88 profile image
Milkyway88

Hi, yes I have severe bone loss to my jaw causing (or caused by, I’m told) Peridontal disease. Yes also I’m passively and overtly accused of self neglect, despite explaining the lengths I’ve gone to over the years and having never missed a 6 monthly appointment, except during Covid.

I’ve read in a few places that it is linked to hypothyroidism, and I’d be very interested to see more on this as dentists haven’t a clue. (Surprise!) Additionally, I’m also throwing suspicion on the RAI I had 20 years ago, but would be pushed to get any agreement on that I suspect.

Now costing me a king’s ransom to treat and if anyone has knowledge of a competent periodontal dentist who is interested in treating actual disease as against creating Hollywood smiles, I’d be grateful.

You are entitled to Band 2 treatment under the NHS, good luck with that.

Despite the blank responses, I am still pushing the the thyroid link with my hygienist as I live in hope that one day doctors will recognise the far reaching effects poorly managed thyroid treatment has on the population.

Christabel profile image
Christabel in reply to Milkyway88

It's not only dentists and hygienists who are unaware, but also the MaxFac people who are supposed to be experts.

thyr01d profile image
thyr01d in reply to Milkyway88

Hi Milkyway, there's a dental specialist who does periodontal care, I believe, in Worcester. If you are nearby let me know and I'll PM you

Guineapiggy profile image
Guineapiggy

Have you tried oil pulling. It involves swishing oil, preferably coconut oil but others work, around your mouth for about 20 mins 2-3 times a week and spitting it out. Don't swallow and don't put down the sink if coconut oil. My dentist had never heard of it but it produced the best score I've ever had at my check-up.

Loads of info online if you Google oil pulling.

metamorphica profile image
metamorphica in reply to Guineapiggy

ill look into that.

Anthea55 profile image
Anthea55

I understand that fluoride used to be used to treat overactive thyroids, which is why it's not a good idea with our underactive thyroids.

Agreed with ZephyrBear, I use AloeDent Sensitive. Available as above unless you have somewhere that stocks it locally.

Bearo profile image
Bearo

Too late for me.

In my early fifties I lost all but three lower teeth when the rest were removed due to gum disease.it felt like the dentist just touched each tooth with one finger and it fell out.

I wasn’t diagnosed hypothyroid for another ten years but I’m pretty sure I’ve had it all my life.

I now have problems with my jaw clicking and threatening to dislocate if I open my mouth too wide…..so I wonder if they, too, is thyroid related?

Brightness14 profile image
Brightness14

No sorry but I use two things only to keep my teeth healthy. Baked soda toothpaste and after every brushing I gargle with my own made up Garlic Water. All natural products. I make up the garlic every week with water and store in a jug in the fridge. I am 77 years old and have perfect teeth but I have never smoked either.

Regenallotment profile image
Regenallotment in reply to Brightness14

wow that’s impressive! Is the baked soda toothpaste homemade too? 🌱

Brightness14 profile image
Brightness14 in reply to Regenallotment

No it's online Natural toothpaste, Baking Soda, Fluoride free. Begins with a K. Can't name it or I will be told off again. For the garlic I just crush up four garlic cloves then fill the jug with hot water and then through a sieve. It lasts about a week in the fridge.

Regenallotment profile image
Regenallotment in reply to Brightness14

thanks so much, mother in law drinks garlic water every morning. I’m a bit sensitive to it (FODMAP) but will have a go. Hubby and daughter have bottles of revolting coloured mouthwashes full of chemicals… I wonder if I can persuade them to use a natural alternative 🌱

Brightness14 profile image
Brightness14 in reply to Regenallotment

I cannot drink it either only as a mouthwash. I did try the garlic pills once and they upset my stomach too. I do try to stay away from chemicals but it's sometimes hard.

Cavapoochonowner profile image
Cavapoochonowner

Hello there,I have Graves disease and had a total thyroidectomy last year.Ever since my thyroid problems started my teeth and gums have taken more looking after.Sore teeth and gums have been a problem. I always brushed with an electric toothbrush and flossed every day.I have had to start using sensodyne rapid relief toothpaste and also bought a water flosser which I use every night as well as normal floss.This has been fantastic for my gums.At first it made my gums bleed for a few days and they were a bit sore but they are so much better.I can't not use it as my gums bleed again.It took a bit of getting used to;squirting myself in the face with it, squirting the bathroom mirror etc,much to the hilarity of my son.It was reasonably priced,about 50 pounds although there are dearer ones I think they really do the same job.It came with a couple of heads so you can share it with another family member to make it more economical.Hope this helps.

SilverAvocado profile image
SilverAvocado

I have also had tooth and gum problems since I became hypothyroid. Dentists seem to be a mixed bag in how much they know about it, and I've found more knowledge about avoiding X-rays then much about damage to teeth and gums.

I have had some of the gum problems described by others. Gums receding back to expose the roots, which for me has created enormous sensitivity. I also on and off have pain throughout my gums, particularly in the very back of my mouth behind my rows of teeth.

I have also ended up getting a water flosser, which I find very good. I use every day and see the difference if I don't use it.

I've also started to find if I eat much sugar, or I am also starting to suspect bread can bring it on, my gums will feel extra sore. I suspect some candida/ yeast overgrowth is involved at this point, too.

Digging around on the web once I first started to realise I had gum problems, I found a few products recommended by sufferers. I don't avoid fluoride at this point, because my gums have got so bad I feel I have no choice but to swallow what the dentists are peddling 😭

But I'll give the names in case they help anyone else.

For toothpaste: Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum Sensitive Toothpaste

For mouthwash: Listerine Advanced Gum Defense Gum Treatment

Corsodyl Gum Treatment mouthwash containing Chlorhexidine also works well, but stains teeth dark brown so is only for short term use unless you're more desperate.

I use the mouthwash only as an extra, (for example to add a third or fourth clean to the day, as brushing can only be done twice. Or to rinse after eating), because I've found current recommendation is to not rinse your mouth after brushing, allowing the toothpaste to hang around and keep working. This acts very similarly to what you would have expected mouthwash to be.

These sets of products are said to help gums to actually regrow, and that is what it feels like in my experience. My problems have improved greatly since using them. Of course both brands have a dizzying array of other products available, so you have to be careful to get these names. The mouthwash in particular is a lot more expensive than others in its brand.

When my gums are particularly playing up I use a lot of rinses throughout the day and hold them in my mouth for several minutes. Salt water for one, and I also make up a strong ginger tea by boiling fresh, sliced ginger with water for 15 minutes or so. This is delicious served hot or cold with lemon juice and maybe a bit of honey . But for sore gums I have it plain and sip all day.

metamorphica profile image
metamorphica in reply to SilverAvocado

Thankyou for those recommendations <3

humanbean profile image
humanbean

Anyone interested in fluoridation and the arguments for and against might want to read this (old - copyright 1997) article on the subject :

web.archive.org/web/2011070...

Poppycat999 profile image
Poppycat999

Yes me too my teeth haven't been so good after hypothyroidism. I went to the hygienist and l now everyday use electric toothbrush corsodyl toothpaste mostly and interdental sticks and floss My gums have receded alot and l also grind my teeth l was told so I'm being careful at night not to haven't put gum shields in as couldn't sleep with them. My routine with teeth feels like I'm doing my best I'm 61 and apart from receded gums my teeth look pretty good. Age does make a difference as the term " long in the tooth" is certainly true.

LucyYoga profile image
LucyYoga

The teeth, thyroid and gut and absolutely connected. I switched to a functional/ biological dentist who understands these things. I don’t know of any research papers but there is plenty of info online if you Google it

metamorphica profile image
metamorphica in reply to LucyYoga

wish i could afford that.

LucyYoga profile image
LucyYoga

yes unfortunately being healthy comes at a big financial cost. Hope you find some articles to show your dentist …. I horrid when you have to keep fighting for what you know to be correct but these morons are too closed minded to consider or understand. My old dentist actually said mercury fillings are not toxic!!!!!

metamorphica profile image
metamorphica in reply to LucyYoga

Ive found a few good 'official' type documents that i hope he'll look at. He did at least say he would look into the connection, not just dismiss me outright, so there is hope.

sadly yeah i have to be very clear i only want white fillings not amalgam as the NHS only provide amalgam so that i will pay put of pocket for.

LucyYoga profile image
LucyYoga

Also good probiotic ‘mouthwash’ I use by invivo health - all the necessary strains for keeping oral microbiome as it should be.

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