Hi Idealist,
From your post, it sounds like you may have several contributing factors as to why the enamel on your teeth is breaking down. You didn't mention what your chronic illness is but very frequently, there are several links between chronic illness and tooth problems.

Some phyisical disorders can cause or contribute to problems with the teeth just as some tooth problems can cause/contribute to some health problems. Just one example would be the vast literature noting the correlation between periodontal disease and heart disease. Scientists have confirmed that the strains of bacteria for each disease are uniquely similar. Both of which cause the formation of infectious plaque to develop under and along the gumline as well as in the arterial wall of blood vessels. Since the mouth is extremely vascular, it allows bacteria to spread from the mouth through the vessels to other organs very easily. For the same reason, bacteria from any area of the body, can end up affecting the mouth. Anything infectious will cause the immune system to respond by sending out inflammatory factors. Combine the infectious bacteria with inflammation, especially in a chronic, long term condition and the person can become quite ill with a vicious cycle of ailments.

There are many other <common> tooth/body related health conditions like:
Any autoimmune or systemic disorder. Diabetes. Cancer. Stroke. Cardiovascular disease. Osteoporosis. Long term imbalance in hormones. Chronic stress. Vitamin/mineral deficiencies. Eating disorders. Just to name a few.

When the enamel wears away on several teeth at one time, it is often the result of some form of acid erosion either from the diet and/or the digestive tract. This can occur with someone who does not have proper oral hygiene habits or with someone who brushes their teeth thoroughly, but has a digestive or eating disorder. If the stomach acids are regurgitated into the mouth and not removed from the teeth immediately, the enamel starts to soften. This is frequently seen in people who have GERD or a similar disorder that may cause the acid to be regurgitated during their sleep.

Studies have shown that within one hour of drinking a cola beverage, tooth enamel begins to soften unless it is physically brushed off. So for someone who drinks cola <for example> on a daily basis without continuously brushing their teeth, the erosion of the enamel will become unreversable. This holds true for anyone who has any foods in their diet that cause enamel erosion.

Additionally, it is common for the chronically ill to have poor oral hygiene habits or to let the problems with their teeth go until the situation is unreversable. Sometimes, we can only deal with so much at one time! Combine any of these things with meds that cause xerostomia (dry mouth) and tooth problems such as erosion of the enamel, fractures, decay, and gum disease are likely to occur.

So often I hear....... "my teeth were realy good until I got sick and then I don't know what happen". There is no point in blaming ourselves for only being human..........~'.'~

As far as your proposed dental work....... it may be wise to ask for treatment options and seriously weigh the benefits and risks associated with certain procedures. Number one, anything that you do to "fix" your teeth should be for the long term as much as possible. "Patching up" will not last irrelevant of what the culprits are contributing to your dental/health problems. Retaining teeth <with root canal therapy> may only contribute to any inflammatory issues that may already be affecting your immune system because there is always necrotic tissue left in the tooth after a root canal. Crowns and permanent bridgework, depending on the health of these teeth to begin with, may not last if you have dry mouth issues. It may also be wise to stay away from restoring teeth with any mercury fillings due to the toxicity of the mercury.

There are ways to help lubricate the oral tissue. Drinking plenty of water and eliminating soft drinks, fruit drinks and sugary foods every day is a huge help. Ask the hygienist to show you how to brush and floss so your oral hygiene is perfected. The Spry company makes good products for people with dry mouth. They use a natural occuring substance called Xylitol in their products and it acutally helps prevent tooth decay!

I know none of this is easy and it can be very overwhelming. There is a ton of information out there if you are comfortable doing the research. Feel free to ask here also! And never be hesitant to ask your dentist for options....... there are ALWAYS options.

Hope this is helpful to you......

Bryanna