Topic: So what kind of Unexplained Dental Problems can lyme cause!?
disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
On the list of symptoms for lyme there's Dental Problems (Unexplained). So what kind of dental problems exactly?
I've had an issue with my teeth for over three years where they feel loose to me. I can hear them click and wiggle and they feel really loose in the socket, and yet when I have a dentist (I've actually been to two) look at them he always tells me they are fine and he does not notice them to be loose. Plus, I keep up on regular dental checkups and am told my teeth and gums are healthy. It's driving me up the wall. They are loose for no known reason... and I'd like to figure out what is causing this!!!
The looseness comes and goes with different teeth as well. Some teeth will be loose one day and then the next day it'll be another tooth or set of teeth. Some days I won't notice any looseness whatsoever. And then other days it'll be very noticeable and so loose I'm afraid they will fall out at any minute so I revert back to eating soft food for a few days. But I know they are loose because I can move the tooth or teeth with my tongue and/or finger and feel them move or even hear the clicking sound. It's very freaky, to say the least. My teeth are kind of important to me. Plus, I'm only 25 years old, so the thought of losing my teeth at such a young age is just ridiculous! And even having to deal with THIS (on top of lyme and all the other health issues I have) at my age just makes me furious and want to give up all at the same time.
I've asked lyme people before if they had issues with feeling like their teeth are loose and I only had one other person say they noticed the same thing, but since it was only ONE person in a group of MANY people, I doubt it's lyme related... so I really have no idea... though I suppose it could be.
I'm at my witt's end with this. I don't know what to do anymore.
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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posted
Have you ever looked into homeopathy? I remember reading about remedies that deal with loose teeth. I am not a homeopath but I use it for family. It works great!
Jen
Posts: 236 | From Illinois | Registered: Feb 2009
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Leelee
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Member # 19112
posted
Hi distrubedme,
I have wondered what constitutes unexplained dental problems myself.
I have the complete opposite of you. My bottom teeth feel like they are being pinched and squeezed together. Sometimes I imagine how wonderful it would feel to have a couple of them pulled out just to make room for the others and relieve some pressure.
Over the years I have been to many dentists and oral surgeons who think I am nuts. They can't find anything wrong.
Another unexplained dental problem I have is little pimples inside my mouth on the gums and around the teeth. They flare up every few weeks and I "pop" them and drain them.
I am a fanatic about my teeth. My problems aren't anything to do with hygeine. In fact, my smile is often complimented.
I feel for you. It's hard to explain to anyone who doesn't have the issue.
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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posted
Do you happen to clench your jaw or grind your teeth, either at night or during the day?
Grinding and clenching can cause teeth to loosen or feel unstable and painful.
Nutmeg
Posts: 386 | From WA state | Registered: May 2005
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disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
nutmeg, I might but really don't know. My dentist told me I don't grind my teeth because I don't have the signs that would point to that on my teeth. I think I might clench though but really have no idea...
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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posted
I have lost half of one of my teeth-which is very unusual for me.
I have always taken excellent care of my teeth, and my parents spent alot of money on them growing up.
So needless to say, I cried and cried that day!
I don't have the money for a dentist, and it is very painful!
Posts: 303 | From Jekyll Island, GA | Registered: Sep 2008
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
I used to have this ALL the time, waaaay back before I even knew anything was wrong. It still comes and goes, but very infrequently now.
You might want to consider mouth dryness, or possibly nutritional deficiencies. Do you have a limited diet, are you getting enough natural calcium and B-vitamins and minerals?
There is a mouthwash I use that will help keep decay away if you have any dryness. It's called Eco-Dent Essential Mouth Care Natural Daily Rinse Oral Wound Cleanser and Debriding Agent. I know, it's a mouthful. No pun intended, honest. It has "14 essential oils with CoQ-10, echinacea, goldenseal, and baking soda.
But I would look into nutritional causes as well. You need to be getting as much natural B-vitamins and minerals like calcium, and Vitamin D as possible. A very good supp for natural vitamin D is Cod Liver Oil. Vitamin D plays a big part in dental health as does natural calcium.
posted
YES is so lyme and coinfections related.I lost 12 mollars...all infected from lyme activated ( 7 years activated and no body was telling me what was wrong with me).
Well even the regular doctor told me they were just sensitive...YEHH RIGHT!
exsplore this website and you will see the videos from this doctor..and you will realise that are so many other infections in us as we do not even have names for them yet.
So you are right ..and you have not just lyme...look for many COINFECTIONS..in your case.
posted
I have had issues with bleeding gums ever time I go to have a dental cleaning the last 2 yrs. My dental hygenist was always telling me to floss, floss, floss, use mouthwash etc etc. I have been on doxy for 4 months now and just had my regular dental cleaning appointment. Guess what no bleeding, none!!! My DH was sooo pleased she said I had been doing a great job flossing etc. I didnt tell her I had been doing the same as the past 2yrs. So, I believe as does my LLMD, that my gums were infected due to lyme. I also have a tooth that has cracked in the last year... I take very good care of the teeth and have bi annual cleanings and checks. The only other dental thing that I have experienced is very sensitive teeth when my doxy was increased. Yikes did that hurt.
-------------------- IGM Result Positive CDC/NYS Result Positive
-------------------- My biofilm film: www.whyamistillsick.com 2004 Mycoplasma Pneumonia 2006 Positive after 2 years of hell 2006-08 Marshall Protocol. Killed many bug species 2009 - Beating candida, doing better Lahey Clinic in Mass: what a racquet! Posts: 830 | From Mass. | Registered: Aug 2006
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disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
Keebler - I know a bunch about Andrographis (but I didn't know it was good for teeth and gums). I took it for quite a while in the beginning of my treatment and it made me herx big time for 2 whole weeks. It's the only herb that I've taken so far that made me herx so hard. I also own a copy of Healing Lyme by Buhner.
I haven't taken Andrographis in about a year or so, but I suppose I could start adding that in again. Would be afraid of the herx it would possibly induce again. They were pretty awful herxes.
While I was taking it, I really don't remember if it helped with my tooth looseness. All I know is that they have been loose on and off for the past three years and it comes and goes constantly. Some days the looseness is VERY apparent and makes me seriously think they are going to fall out at any minute and then some days I have no looseness whatsoever, so it's very annoying and worrisome in so many ways. And I really have no idea what is causing it and I've chalked it up to being the lyme, but then it could also be from my possibly clenching because I think I do that, but am not positive. I also have TMJ issues and need to make an appiontment with a TMJ specialist to have that looked at it and possibly while I see him bring up my tooth looseness and possible clenching.
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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posted
I've had several teeth crack and break since having Lyme, and that's very unusual for me. Another thing to consider is that Lyme attacks the bones, and I've found that I have that I have osteoporosis. He said that I have the bones of an 80 yo and I'm only 50, plus I've been physically active all my life until Lyme.
So with the attack on the bones, it would also attack the jaw which may be why your teeth are loose. In addition, it's probably drilled it's way into the roots of our teeth and on into the rest of the tooth.
You should consider something for osteoporosis, but do NOT use any of the biphosphonates like Fosamax. They have been shown to have cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, meaning the jaw bone starts to die. It's a huge problem in dentistry, although some endocrinologists don't seem to take it as seriously.
However, at study at the USC dental school found that the cause of osteonecrosis were undefined bacteria "coated with biofilms". Does that ring a bell? If there are any population that would be susceptible to having bacteria in our bones, it would be us.
While others do not like soy products, there is a product which has been found to help regenerate bone which comes from soy, called genistein. It's available by prescription as Fosteum (not to be confused with Fosamax - a totally different product), but I've also found genistein available as an over the counter product called Citracal plus Bone Density Builder.
I was on Fosteum for 3 months along with calcium, vitamin D, zinc and selenium supplements and my endocrinologist tested me again to see if it was working to help reverse my bone deterioration and helping to regenerate bone, and apparently it is.
He had originally wanted me to do some one time per year biphosphonate iv infusion, which I almost did, but was so fortunate to have had a dental appointment before the procedure and my dentist was so totally adamant that I shouldn't do it that I canceled the appointment and told my endocrinologist that I had to have something other than biphosphonates. He hadn't had any experience w/Fosteum, but said I could try it and I jumped at it.
There are other options out there which are not sanctioned by the FDA (what's new?) but which many have had success with. One is a mineral supplement (I don't remember the name) and I've heard of others with dental issues getting better with a mouthwash of MMS. If andrographis works, that's great too. I hadn't heard about andrographis being used for this.
So that's what I suspect you have. You should get a bone density exam and that might confirm it.
Patti
Posts: 975 | From California | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
I wanted to add that what I like about the Citracal product is that the tablet has everything I was taking separately in one tablet, in the same dosages. i.e., it has the genistien, calcium, selenium and zinc, I believe.
Also, it's quite reasonable in price compared to the prescription Fosteum. I'd bought a fairly large quantity of calcium, so I plan on taking Fosteum until I finish it and then switch to the Citracal bone density product. I'll be getting another test in 6 months or so, and we'll see how I'm doing then.
Patti
Posts: 975 | From California | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
My dentist said that if teeth feel loose in the morning, that means there's been some grinding during the night. I'm not sure if he said clenching can also cause that, or not.
Posts: 311 | From CA | Registered: Jul 2008
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disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
Janice - my teeth sometimes are loose in the morning, but usually if they are loose in the morning they are looose throughout the whole day.
My tooth looseness never has a rhyme or reason... it just happens and comes and goes often. It freaks me out big time though, needless to say.
I'm extremely tired of dealing with it though. I have enough to deal with at only 25 years old.
But I think it may be due to clenching. I just need to see someone other than my regular dentist for this. I don't know if a TMJ specialist works with clenching and grinding patients as well, but I don't see why not. I really need to make a call tomorrow and stop putting it off.
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-
Also remember that lyme patients are especially prone to holding onto mercury and have a harder time getting rid of it. Elevated heavy metals can cause dental problems and sleep disorders (including bruxism).
Have you been able to address the possibility of heavy metal detox?
posted
I've had teeth move, crack and break, and are constantly yellowish...before abx and lyme diagnosis.
I had severe tmj and couldn't open my mouth wide enough to bite into a sandwich at one point.
I finally got braces as an adult...not for appearance, but to restore my bite that had shifted. ( I was biting the inside of my cheek regularly)
I had immediate relief, but needed the braces for 3 years...to get my bite back in line.
Then my diagnosis of lyme...and it all began to make sense.
I believe it was a combo of the connective tissue and ligaments relaxing causing this. Also, I have recently been treated by a ND who practices ART. Tested my mouth and each tooth, and found that each tooth that I have fillings (old mercury), and crowns and root canals, is connected to meridians that effect major organs in my body.
The mercury attracts and hold onto lyme! Hence lyme around my teeth!
Not a coincidence! All of the areas I have problems are on the meridians of my problem teeth!
As soon as I started mercury detox and protocols suggested with the ART, the area around the problem teeth started to hurt and change to a dark color for a few weeks. So scary.
Also, Candida, very white cottage cheese like substances coated my gums instantaneously , and tongue for two days! I cleansed it with a water pic...with peroxide and baking soda...and then it all went away.
My teeth, after a few weeks have settled down and the dark color is gone on the gums, and all seem stable at the moment.
There is definately a connection with the teeth and our health...it's a first sign of problems. I am finally learning!
Do see a Natural Dentist who understands the meridians.
Also, highly recommend finding a ND to complement your LLMD. I go to both, and have become my own DR. as I have finally become aware what my body needs at the time.
I have learned to trust my intuition, and also know that no LLMD has all the answers. We are learning together. Both my Dr's know I see each of them occasionally, and love to hear how I am progressing and learn from me too!
A combination of treatments has helped me feel great. I still have occasional herxes...but not like before incorporating the ND, dental health and the detox!
Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
I've wondered that too.
I haven't had trouble with looseness or anything like that, but I have instances where---and I don't quite know how to describe this--
it seems like one of my teeth on the top is hangng down further than it should be.
Like, when I bite down, I'm hitting taht one before the others come together.
When I feel over it with my tongue or look at it, it looks fine.
Of course, I guess it could be that my jaw is out of alignment--I do have TMJ pretty bad some days.
I also have instances where my teeth--yes, my TEETH--feel itchy.
I can't think of any better way to describe it. I just feel like I need to scratch my teeth.
Now, I'm one of the bad ones--I haven't seen a dentist for like 4 years.
The one I had been seeing kept moving his practice, and then I lost insurance, so i can't afford it.
I'm waiting for our COBRA to kick in to get my other medical bills covered, and then I want to find a dentist.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
Nenet - thanks for your suggestions. The only thing I could really find about nutritional deficiencies and loose teeth was vitamin C deficiency, and I'm pretty sure I don't have scurvy.... especially since I was supplementing with vitamin C at one point up to 5 grams a day (5000 mg) and I don't have the other symptoms of scurvy.
I'd love to go to a homeopathic dentist, but I am sure they don't take insurance and we are so having issues with finances right now what with LLMD visits and everything else.
This is just driving me insane and worrying me majorly right now more than just feeling like CRAP from the lyme. In a way, I'm more worried about the loose teeth than just feeling extremely AWFUL from the lyme... if that makes sense. I'm too young to have to be dealing with loose teeth!!!!
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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posted
My teeth keep breaking and I ALWAYS take extremely good care.... Anyone else have this problem?
Posts: 15 | From NY | Registered: Nov 2009
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julielynne4
Unregistered
posted
Yes Moonchild, I have this problem and so do my mother and sister- all of us have Lyme and coinfections.
I have had so many dental problems; root canals, a bridge, teeth falling apart, a zillion cavities, MAJOR dental pain (for no known reason), etc...I do take care of my teeth, but now that I know I have had Lyme and Cos. for so long, I understand why my teeth have been so bad.
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posted
Thanks Julie. How the heck does one afford it all? Lyme AND Extreme Dental Care. Have you been able to find a dentist who is willing to work with you at least?
Posts: 15 | From NY | Registered: Nov 2009
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posted
Vitamin K2 Menatetrenone (MK-4) is amazing for teeth. I used to have really sensitive teeth, that problem is much reduced now.
I also don't get dental plaque anymore .
For best effect, take some vitamin A+D too. (The fat soluble vitamins)
Posts: 330 | From Colorado, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
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linky123
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Member # 19974
posted
I was told recently by a homeopath/md that root canals gone bad produce a spirochete bacteria very similar to lyme, and can cause the same symptoms.
You might want to find a biological dentist and have him check for cavitations - the area at the root that goes bad and can make us sick.
posted
When my little guy was just a baby (4 years ago), I bit into a sandwich and my tooth cracked/broke at the root. I blamed it on fierce orthodontia at age 18, but the root was darkening/dying for a few years (around age 35).
Now I have a little fancy snap in. I didn't want more metals in my mouth.
Posts: 564 | From Tick Hell | Registered: Oct 2008
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julielynne4
Unregistered
posted
Moonchild, I don't know how people afford it...it is insane, actually.
As far as dental work, I am a teacher in the public schools and I have excellent dental benefits - however, there is a max per year which I exceed. I have not always had these benefits, and there were many thousands of dollars of debt that my husband and I still pay off.
Thankfully, the major work that I have needed lately is about one or two per year, plus cleanings...so, it has been doable.
And then, when you add the cost of Lyme treatment, well again, it is so hard...Naturally my LLMD does not take insurance, but she charges about half as much as other LLMDs, and she takes my phone calls with no charge. I do not actually have to go in and see her except maybe 3 times or 4 times a year.
Also, my health insurance does reimburse me a percentage of these visits. However, I have 4 children with congenital lyme. She (my LLMD) wants to see them more frequently than me, simply because they are so young, and she wants to see them personally before changing abx.
So, often I simply cannot afford to come up with the money, and therefore they go without abx.
It is a horrible insidious disease, and I pray that we are all free from it. Julie
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posted
I hear ya, Julie. My husband and I owe $3000 in dental debt.. $2000 of which is from THIS year. It will take FOREVER to pay off.... at which time more debt will be added.
I need at least another $2000 right now since I am facing at least one root canal and maybe 2. And I also may have to pull one tooth.
I'm afraid I'll have dentures before I'm 65!
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