Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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kitty3 01/06/2011

I continually struggle with on-going dental issues of just about anything and everything one could imagine. I have moments where I wonder why I'm even keeping my own teeth such as they are because something is forever going wrong.
It occurred to me that here at Daily Strength might be the spot to ask other lupus folks how they handle their oral hygiene, what type of products they use and maybe any other secrets they might have that have helped them.
I do have to admit that I don't floss as often as I should but it's mainly because I'm so clumsy with floss that I get very frustrated & give up. But if more and/or better flossing is part of my problem then I'll have to buckle down and do so.
I guess too what I'm wondering is if there are other lupus folks that found since lupus became a part of their life did they find issues like this changed alot for them.
I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts.
I should mention that I do have insulin dependent diabetes thrown into the mix which definitely is not a plus.

deleted_user 01/06/2011

I don't post very often but thought i would give you my tips... do you have sjogrens? if you do might i suggest biotene it gives you extra moisture in your mouth so it helps with washing away bacteria..I just had 11 teeth pulled..not a good experience but it wasnt as bad as i thought it would be,, if you cant tolerate flossing try the flossing sticks.. the ones with a toothpick looking thing on one end and floss on the other,.. i cant do normal flossing ever since i had 1/2 my thumb amputated just too hard...try to get yearly cleaning which i havent in years.. but i will from here on out..good luck

deleted_user 01/07/2011

Hi Kitty,
I have gum issues but never really thought if it could be disease related. Thats a good question. I have inflamed gums at times and also receeding gums. I just do the normal brushing and floss once a week (bad, I know). If you get any info pass it along. Would be interested in knowing if this can be common.
hugs

deleted_user 01/08/2011

Hi Kitty my question was going to be the same as amy,s. Do you have sjogrens. Drye eyes and the dry mouth can really affect us dentally. hugs Marilyn

kitty3 01/08/2011

Hi Everyone:
Yes I do have sjogrens. Mine really comes & goes irratically sometimes. You're all helping me realize I've got to order myself to be more vigilant in my oral care.

Lynr 01/09/2011

My teeth are horrid and I have a long standing joke with my dentist that I have put all three of his kids through college with my appointments alone! Lupus is a connective tissue disease, your gums are connective tissues. The medications that we take are also terrible for our teeth. Vigilant oral care is vital for those of us with lupus:( I find those Colgate Wisps to be very helpful. You can buy them in a large quantity and carry them in your purse or pocket to use whenever needed. I know that my medications leave a terrible taste in my mouth and I am very conscious of it as I work closely with people and don't want them subjected to any foul smells:( Hope this was helpful. p.s. Most of this information came from my dentist/endodontist, they also gave me an oral rinse to help keep gum infections to a minimum. Also, don't forget the calcium, out teeth get brittle and the calcium helps with this. xoxoLyn

mar1976 01/09/2011

Lynr great advice!!! I am going to use and or look into all of your suggestions. Thank you for being so helpful and sharing your info. Best wishes and gentle hugs to all.

deleted_user 01/21/2011

Hi Kitty. So sorry about the dental troubles you have. My dentist told me that lupus patients have to be so careful about their teeth. He said to be diligent about brushing my teeth, floss everyday. He also gave me Listerine mouthwash that is supposed to help with plaque and I use it before I go to bed and after I have breakfast in the morning. The other thing that is important is to have regular checkups twice a year that way they can clean off any build up and find problems before they get too bad.

I always did have good dental care before my diagnosis last September, but I'm even more diligent now. I really try to do the mouthwash thing even though it is PRETTY strong stuff!

Stay positive and keep working hard to keep your own teeth--there isn't anything in the world like them. Best wishes and Good luck!

bunny103 01/21/2011

Hi Kitty, I have alot of problems with my dental care, I also have sjogrens and I use biotene tooth paste and mouthwash and at night I put muro 128 ointment in my eyes, they got so dry one night I damaged an eye so be very careful. We also run a humidifier in our bedroom at night, that helps
My dentist and I are great friends, my gums hurt at times as do my teeth, its all a part of this lovely thing we call lupus

deleted_user 01/21/2011

Hi kitty. I forgot that my dentist also recommended the same mouthwash Bunny mentioned--Biotene because it helps to keep the mouth moist which is imperative to help fight cavities. I also have that wash and it seems much milder than the Listerine.

Allisonc79 01/21/2011

I also have dry eyes, mouth and am constantly drinking water and using eye drops. There are steps you can take to protect your teeth besides the brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. Certain mouthwashes like Listerene can actually dry your mouth out more, so the use of Biotene is really helpful as a mouthwash. There is also things that your rhumy can prescribe you such as numoisyn liquid and lozenges, which are similar to sugar free candies with a kick that help stimulate your saliva.

Have you considered Evoxac? Some people swear by it helping with saliva production and tear production. Your dentist can also prescribe Mi paste, which helps restore the mineral balance in your mouth that is lost with decreased saliva output. It actually helps improve the saliva flow as well, and fights plaque alot better than standard toothpaste. Your dentist might recommend it for you if you feel your at risk for anymore dental issues. It does help to have good dental insurance and a nice dentist who knows about Sjogrens.

deleted_user 01/21/2011

There has been a link established between fluoride and lupus. I checked out the biotene ingredient list and it does contain fluoride. This link has some good info on fluoride.
http://artoflivingwell.com/articles.php

deleted_user 01/22/2011

Thanks for posting this topic - good info here!
This may sound like common sense but make sure you're using a soft toothbrush and don't brush too hard. Go over how you brush with your dentist; brushing can cause a lot of gum irritation and add to reseeding gums. I used to brush up and down and learned that we're supposed to brush in little circles to gently massage the gums.
Brushing properly along with flossing every day (or at least every other day) really helped my reseeding gums and irritation.
I keep my floss on my bedside table so it's staring at me to use it. I used to keep it at my desk but I'm never at my desk any more.
Smiles

deleted_user 01/22/2011

Hi Kitty, Your post, and the replies helped my alot. I have Lupus/and RA. I always have dry mouth, and drink a gallon of water daily. I'm concerned about bad breath, so I use sugar free gum to keep saliva going. I've never heard of Biotene, but will check on it. My gums are receding, and I think I have bone loss (teeth move and dentist says my jawbone has shrunk by 20%. yipes. Thanks for the information everyone!

Scarlet (Scardoo) online

deleted_user 05/10/2011

I have had gum issues for years. I have had root planning and gum surgery. I now have a perio cleaning every 4 months diligently. I floss three times a day and use a proxy brush and an electric tooth brush. My dentist agrees that autoimmune disease have a direct impact on inflamation of the gums. I find if I fall out of the every four months thats when issues start up again.

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