Hello,

I had to have all of my teeth pulled at the age of 26. Could this be related to medication that I was taking? I am on a number of meds for asthma and allergies and anti-seizure meds for pain and narcotic meds for pain. I also take anti depressants.
Ripplegirl99

Hi,
Unfortunately, medications that cause the oral tissue to become dry can be extremely difficult to manage. Ultimately a chronically dry mouth can cause a variety of problems to occur not only with the teeth but also with swallowing food and then the upper GI tract as well. The teeth need saliva to bathe in or the foods we eat will simply erode the enamel on our teeth causing rampant decay. We also need saliva to help moisten our throat as we swallow so our food passes down the throat into the upper GI and so forth. People who have severe dry mouth, often choke on food and have to be very careful about chewing very small amounts of food at one time.

Denture wearers, especially those who have medication induced dry mouth, also need to be careful of the way they eat to avoid choking. It is also beneficial for all denture wearers to remove their dentures when they sleep at night to allow the oral tissue to breathe as it is not meant to be covered up 24 hours a day. In doing so, this will help to avoid the overgrowth of bacteria under the dentures which can cause a fungal infection on the palate and other areas of the mouth.

I know of many people in their 20's who had a similar situation to yours. It's never an easy thing to go through it, that's for sure.

Hope you are on the right track with your health issues ~'.'~

Bryanna

My teeth became very, 'thin' like once I had started taking AED's. I had good teeth that suddenly went bad. I had braces as a teenager which is when my medication intake started to increase. When they took my braces off, it literally took hunks of my teeth off with them - so I had to have those areas filled in.

Not sure if it was a seizure or not, but twice I have woken up and had a half of one of my back teeth in my mouth. It had been broken while I was asleep. To add more salt to the wound, I magically got my wisdom teeth at age 28 which seemed to trigger my Trigeminal Neuralgia to act up (unless it was a bizarre coincidence).

My gums bleed, my teeth hurt and no matter how much I brush it doesn't stop chipping, breaking and cavities. It's almost like they are rotting from the inside out/root up. My dentist wouldn't see me until my Neurologist gave me a paper stating my seizures were controlled. This is the second dentist who said that to me. I eventually lost my dental insurance when my work decided they didn't feel like paying for our insurance anymore. Bleh.

My main concern is I know I already have heart complications on top of TN and Epilepsy. I know with my teeth that I'm asking for an infection (the wisdom teeth randomly 'flare up' along with the rule of thumb "If you can't see it, you can't clean it"). As much as they charge, I may as well let them fall out because there's no way even if I didn't have other medical costs that I could fork out to have my teeth fixed/replaced without dental coverage. Plus, it seems the dental providers around here don't fancy people with Epilepsy.

I'm almost 30 now, and I think I have like 4 good teeth left. You can't tell much unless I open my mouth fully and display them. But in all honesty, it takes away from my quality of life. I never smile because I feel awkward. One of those small things not to be taken for granted.

I seriously miss laughing and smiling. I'm bummed that I am still young and having to deal with this rapid decay.

Sorry for babbling, touchy subject.

on your teeth, confirmed by me and MY DENTIST...While I take them for PN/CIDP, I asked as I went from my normal 1-3 little cavities to 7 cavities last year, 3 were under Crowns, resulting in Crown replacements. IF you read the fine print on your meds info sheets, calcium loss IS a biggie. They just never tell you to what EXTENT. Actually, you may have fewer 'adjacent' health problems [infections, abcesses, gum issues, etc.] because you've had your teeth pullled. I'm wrestling w/dentists who try to save the tooth 'hang the cost'! Rite now. I simply don't want the extra potential of infections in the process as I've an Auto-I PN.

The only other efforts you can try to do are keep up your good calcium intakes for the rest of you, and maintain your mouth and other health issues as best you can. Yes, the meds we take to help 'cure' us come with a price. Sometimes we aren't fully aware of the price or prices we pay. IF we can continue to function, and do it better than expected. Well, I consider any good things gifts, presents that probably weren't available say 20 years ago? For every 2 steps forward, there can be a step or two backwards. This would happen in life in other ways anyhow....So we just keep trying to go forward! What other options do we have?

Hugs and good thoughts for now. Keep us up on things, promise? - j

I too had them 'erupt' all impacted at an early age... [long ago, but not forgotten]. I had them all pulled out at once, as they were all truly, unquestionably impacted...I distinctly remember as I took a peek at the x-rays while toting them from my dentist's office to the 'extractor's' office. Lemme tell you THEY WERE DEFINITELY outta whack! Headaches were GONE after those teeth went good-bye!

Your dentists haven't set up for some dentures? If not, why not? I am surpised about this.. I believe there are even programs to help w/this issue, as getting food into yourself can help you maintain better overall health other than gruel. You know what I mean. Promise to suss out sites and post them in the 'stickies' that will soon be.


Hugs and good thoughts! - j

I'm going through the exact same problem as you are. Even though I'm 44, a year and a half ago my teeth were in fine shape, and then the started me on some new meds that have seriously damaged my teeth seemingly overnight. The dentist explained it to me very much like Bryanna said. But right now I have to decide whether to give up my teeth, or spend upwards of $40,000, which of course I don't have. It's a terrible feeling to have this happen at such a young age, isn't it? My thoughts are definitely with you.

Idealist

Hi Idealist,
You are in a tough situation and there is no easy or right answer. I always tell people who are faced with this, to weigh just two things. Number one, your health. Number two, your teeth. Why? Because these are realy one in the same if you understand that there are health risks associated with retaining decayed and infected teeth.

If your meds are giving you quality of life and you plan on staying on them, then it may not make sense to spend a fortune on dental work because irrelevant of what you do to your teeth, the meds are still going to cause unnatural deterioration to occur.

Two other issues that many people are not usually aware of is......
One, as the teeth deteriorate so does the supporting bone.
Two, with every extraction, unless bone graft material is placed and successfully integrates within the bone of the extraction site, there is about a 50% bone loss once the site is healed.

Once the bone is lost, the ridge becomes too thin and/or flat to wear dentures comfortably. This situation also poses a problem with the implantation and bone integration of dental implants, if you were to consider that option in the future.

It is a very hard decision to make and my heart goes out to you and others in this situation. I can tell you that I have seen many people struggle through their decision to remove their teeth and ultimately they do very well with their dentures.

Please try not to stress too much over it. Only you can know what is best for you and you will one day decide what that is.

Take care...
Bryanna

the saliva is highly important for healthy teeth and gums!

some ideas for you all -
Oral Infections/Gingivitis/Periodontal Disease
By some estimations one in three people over the age of 30 has some form of periodontal disease, but are unaware of it because it is a problem that develops silently and painlessly. Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in plaque infect the gums and bones that anchor the teeth. Periodontitis and dental decay are the primary causes of adult tooth loss. Bacterial toxins are then released into the bloodstream, beginning a cascade of health problems. We can�t stress strongly enough the importance of addressing gingivitis if you have it, as recent research has revealed a relationship between periodontal infection and more serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and pre-term low birth weight babies.

Several studies have shown that chronic dental infection is associated with a significant increase in the risk of stroke. Here�s why: bacteria from dental plaque, including Streptococcus sanguis, can enter your bloodstream and cause blood platelets to clump together and clot abnormally. Normally the bacteria are cleared from your body by the immune system, but if your immune system is compromised, as is the case with any infection, the bacteria create a major risk factor. Gum infections elevate fibrinogen and the clotting factor, leading to chronic inflammation and the build-up of arterial plaque, which reduces circulation. The result is atherosclerosis, hardening and narrowing of the arteries, and this can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

As with any infection, we want to reiterate that your immune system is compromised, thereby allowing the infection to take hold and spread unchecked. As part of your Wellness Program, it will be very beneficial to strengthen your immune system.

Tips
Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after every meal. This will help remove the source of material that leads to plaque.

Floss at least once a day to remove any food particles or plaque buildup.

Massage your gums daily with a rubber-tipped gum stimulator. This will increase the flow of blood to the area and help promote healing.

Wellness Program
� Many people with periodontal disease have been found to be deficient in CoQ10. Supplementing with this nutrient should be beneficial in treating this disease.

� In addition, the infection mentioned above seems to affect those with folic acid deficiencies more so than those who aren�t deficient. Because of this fact, gum disease may be an indicator of a folic acid deficiency. To help eliminate gum disease and its risk factor for stroke, take 800-5,000 mcg of folic acid daily.

� We suggest closely following a periodontal program recommended by your dentist. In addition, there are four things to add to your dentist's regimen:

1) Enamel Saver� toothpaste Enamel Saver� toothpaste has been shown to reduce periodontal disease, and is SLS-free.

2) Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) Grapefruit seed extract is nature�s best antibiotic, and is very helpful in fighting oral bacteria. Add a drop of GSE to your toothpaste and brush at least two times a day.

3) Hydrogen peroxide Take two capfuls of 3% hydrogen peroxide and swish it around your mouth and spit out. Do this every evening for a week or until you notice improved gum health, then only once a week for maintenance. In addition, to help knock out the bacteria mentioned above that may be causing periodontal disease, put enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the bristles of your toothbrush in a glass and keep the brush in it. Change the peroxide weekly.

4) Vitamin C Take 1-3 grams of natural vitamin C daily to help build healthy tissue. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that helps fight infection.

5) Calcium A study showed that people getting less than 500 mg of calcium daily had a 54% greater chance of having gum disease than those getting 800 mg or more. So add a calcium supplement to your daily preventive regimen.

Remedies
Folk
Cranberries There is a compound in cranberries that prevents microorganisms from adhering to cells in the urinary tract where they cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). These "anti-adhesion" properties that prevent bacteria from forming in the urinary tract also prevent bacteria from growing in the mouth where they form dental plaque, which is the leading cause of gum disease.

Lemon juice Add the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon to a glass of warm water. Use as a mouthwash for one minute. The lemon will kill the bacteria that cause the gingivitis, and the acid will dissolve the plaque and strengthen the gums. Two remedies in one! Do this after every brushing. The tooth enamel with receive a protective coating from the toothpaste, this protecting it from the acid of the lemon.

Neem oil Neem (Azadirachta indica) is valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its varied healing properties due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral capabilities. A cousin of mahogany, neem is a tropical evergreen tree native to India and Myanmar. Over 60 medicinal uses have been documented for neem so far - such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, dandruff, athlete's foot, ulcers, ringworm, and gingivitis, to name a few. For gingivitis, gargle with a solution of 12-20 drops of neem leaf extract in two ounces of water, or use neem toothpaste. Caution: Pregnant women or those trying to conceive should not ingest any neem product.

Sage Make a strong tea of sage and add sea salt to make a mouthwash. Pour a cup of boiling water over one tablespoon of sage leaves; cover and steep for 15 minutes; strain; add two teaspoons of sea salt. Use twice daily after brushing your teeth. Refrigerate. Both sage and sea salt have antiseptic properties that reduce inflammation and promote healing. They are also astringent, which helps tighten the gums.

Tea tree oil Add a drop of tea tree oil to your toothbrush on top of your toothpaste; brush as usual. Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the native Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree, contains antiseptic compounds which help prevent gum disease. Make sure the product label says it is 100% pure tea tree oil.

Hi tenalouise,
That was a very informative article you posted about gum disease. Thanks!
However, there is one bit of information about the lemon juice that is very contradictive to good oral hygiene. Any acidic foods that are left on the teeth will actually cause erosion of the tooth enamel. When this occurs, tooth decay is highly likely. So if someone were to use lemon juice as a mouthrinse, it would be highly problematic.

Just passing this info on to help educate others............

Bryanna