I wonder if anyone here has had any experience with an autoimmune disease causing receeding gums and periodental problems.

I am still being investigated for different autoimmune diseases causing peripheral neuropathy. So far I am being treated for vasculitis.

In the meantime I have so many things "popping" up as symptoms.
My gums are receeding now, and at a fast rate. I have been evaluated for gum transplant. Have been waiting due to having such severe neuropathy flare ups and being on immunosupressant meds as well as Prednisone on and off. I am off the Prednisone now for short while as well as the Methatrexate, going to have a skin biopsy next week. So I could have this procedure done now, but I am not so sure this procedure is going to be a long lasting solution.
I could go on to the Dental Forum
But I was wondering if any one for example with Lupus or other conditions have experieced this.
Thanks for reading this.

Sjogren's causes significant dental/gum issues, including receding gums and periodontal disease, dental caries, bones loss, etc.

The lack of saliva in the mouth from Sjogren's creates an imbalance in bacteria (increased bacterial concentration) and therefore setting the stage for cavities, gum disease etc.

thanks for the reply enboc.
How do people with Sjoegren deel with this problem while on immunosupressive meds?

Yes, I have so many of the symptoms of Sjoegren, and I have had bloodtest for it a few times, actually, it was included in the long list of lab work I had drawn on Friday. One of my rheumotologist's attempt again. It has been negative so far, but I have heared that the blood test for Sjoegren is often unreliable, with 6 out of 10 being inacurate. I did have a lip bx done that was also negative

I was seen by one neurologist specializing in MS by the way,( because that is what the origional MRI of brain showed) This neurologist said that MSand Sjoegren has many similar symptoms, and as a matter of fact, he said, the brain lesions looks verry similar.

As you know, I have terrible mostly sensory neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy.

I had those strange episodes at night, waking up with something some doctors thought was simple partial seizures.
Well, I was hospitalized for 3 nights with videomonitored EEG, and was also on cardiac monitor.

but it so happened, I did not have any of those episodes then.
I will be having a sleep study again in January, just one night.

I have tapered back on the Amitriptyline at night, because I think that caused my respiratory tract to completely dry up, causing mucous plugges and possible apnea.
I has a PFT, and it showed some obstructive pulmonary impairment, (this is just the computer read out, I have not gotten the pulm, doctor's comment yet.
But I have had periodic tightness in chest now for 1 year, and actually sometimes it has caused me in distress, it feels like "airhunger" when those episodes comes on.
So, my rheumy is yet another time trying to test for sjoegren.
I will have to take care of the gum problems in between treatments.
Doc is switching me back to Methatrexate again, she tried Cellcept for a while, but that did not go well with my autonomic GI ( like gastrophoresis and Gerd)
Plus, MTX kept my jointpain away, and after 1 month off it and on Cellcept, jointpain came back.
Rheumy is also testing for: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme and a lot of others of the more repetitive stuff.
I think she is looking for possible sarcoidosis being related to the tightness in chest, I will go for a skin bx.
Sorry, I think I am off the subject now

There really is no 'fix' for the dental/periodontal problems associated with Sjogren's. It's a matter of increased maintenance/hygiene care. I see my dentist 3-4 times a year vs the twice a year as most.

There are also OTC products like Biotene to help increase moisture in the mouth. In severe cases there is a RX medication called Evoxac that can be helpful.

You are correct; blood tests for Sjogren's antibodies are commonly negative even in those patients with the condition...about 40%.

I see you said your lip biopsy was negative also...did it show any signs of inflammation or presence of lymphocytes, etc? There is some question of the grading of lip biopsies by those without much experience.

I have never heard of brain lesions in Sjogren's, so not sure what he's referring to. MS has defined brain lesions used in diagnosis.

With your symptoms, I'm glad he's looking into and hopefully ruling out Sarcodosis. Sjogren's can cause interstitial lung disease, so a CT scan might be helpful as well.

I agree with what the others have said. The Biotene toothpaste alone is VERY helpful!

A woman in her early 80s with Soj. Syndrome is sort of like a mentor for me. She had many years of difficult dental problems. This has recently improved. She told me the following: brush two to three times a day, floss nightly, use a waterpik several times a week...on top of the flossing, put a little non alcohol mouthwash with fluoride in the water when you use the water pik, don't do fluoride treatments at the dentist office as it can be drying and it is controversial ....too much fluoride might be harmful for the body. See the dentist for a cleaning 3x a year, and investigate carefully for the best ...whom she calls the "A+" dentist is in your area and don't settle for anything less.

I personally would add to buy sugar free lemon losenges and use one when your mouth is exceptionally dry. Try not to bite or Chew....just let them dissolve. It will bring on more saliva. Also, if very dry, chew a stick of sugarless or xylitol gum for about 15 minutes, then discard.

Keep good quality water with you at all times, sipping it frequently.

enbloc and Wovel Lady, thank you for your suggestions and advise.
Yes, I do use Biotene a lot, different products of it. I brush 3 times daily at least, and floss regularly, actually twice daily. I am so scared getting an infection, and have so far done well, except this problem with receeding gums. With immunosupressive meds, we have to be so careful, but my rhumy said I could hold MTX for 2 weeks for dental surgery.

Enbloc, I will absolutely go and get a copy of the actual lab report of the lip bx. I only have the ENT doctors's notes stating it was negative for Sjoegrens.
I know that perhaps the Rheumy can look at the spesific, if any.
She now has asked for a skin bx, will be going Friday
Enbloc and Wovel Lady, have any of you had problems with chest tightness?
Does any of you also have peripheral neuropathy? Can chest tightness be caused eighter by autonomic neuropathy or Sjoegrens ?
Take care , and do not over do this holiday rush. I think it can tire you out.
But, DO HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY SEASON.
Synnove