Question:
WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SLE LUPUS WHEN I WAS
16 BUT I WAS WONDERING IF NE OF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH UR TEETH AND
GUMS HURTING I HAVE NOTICED THEY HURT MORE SINCE THEY PUT ME BACEK ON
PREDSOINE PLEASE LET ME KNOW
Answer:
Absolutely does prednisone mess with the teeth. I causes lot of dental
problems. HOW much are you on and what other drugs are you on?
There is a good mouth wash to help with bacteria, you buy it at the Wally
mart or Kmart or any pharmacy . Right now at Rite Aid, you buy one get one
free. I jumped on that one LOL.
It is a must to have good oral care when you have lupus and the meds you are
on. YOU need to see a Dentist to have a good check up and keep good care of
your teeth. you are young and want to keep them a long time right :) I am
61 and still got mine but lots of fillings from the younger days. hehe.
I use biotene oral mouth wash, biotene toothpaste when I have mouth sores
but otherwise any good floride tooth paste is good.
But first see your dentist for ideas on how to prevent problems ok?
Here's an article one of the lupus groups had on their site. I use Biotene
also but still have problems. I get cotton mouth *alot*... after I go thru
all my water, I use the biotene gum. Never could handle the "gel
moisturizer".
Find a dentist who really understands lupus. My last dentist told me lupus
was caused in women who couldn't handle the stresses of everyday life....
and he had only been out of school for a couple years. Nice to know what
they're teaching, huh?
Your dentist can prescribe something better than Biotene or any other OTC
product.
I've also been using a water pik that's helped stimulate my gums. With
floss, if I have a sore, the floss opens it even more.
Another thing... make sure you can breathe thru your nose. I had
uncontrolled allergies for year (had no idea since I didn't have the watery
eyes, runny nose, etc) which caused me to "mouth breathe" which in turn,
dried my teeth out. Made several adjustments and I can breathe thru my nose
again.
Lupus itself can cause mouth problems. Like many others, I use Biotene
on a regular basis. ALL of my teeth are crowned or have permanent
bridges. Meticulous flossing and brushing are a must! Remember lupus is
also a mixed connective tissue disease, and your gums are connective
tissue.
It is helpful to eat yogurt or drink kefir regularly, especially if you
are on antibiotics. When we take antibiotics to kill bacteria we are
more susceptible to thrush and vaginal infections caused by yeast. The
probiotics in those foods help fight the yeast.
Lupus patients can also get lesions (sores) in the mouth. If that
happens call your doctors immediately.
You might ask your dentist about Prevident. It is a topical flouride
that you rub into the gums where they meet the teeth, just before going
to bed. It strengthens the bone and slows decay in the teeth until they
can be fixed. I know that some people are very opposed to flouride.
Personally, I have decided that I will use the flouride and hopefully
keep the teeth..
As with all medical issues, the best thing you can do is careful
research and brutally honest discussions with your medical
practitioners. It is your right as a patient to get good care. Part of
good care means having your questions answered. Write down your most
troubling questions before you see the doctor or dentist. Have a copy
for you and a copy for them. Coping successfully with lupus means that
you have to be a very proactive patient. Take charge of your medical
care first by educating yourself and second by establishing good
communication with your medical practitioners.
