Krissytin, Prednisone contributes to mouth sensitivity, and just having DM/PM will cause many changes in the body. Inflammation is a disease culprit that effects the gums.

I have sensitive teeth too. I have my mouth cleaned four times a year at the dentist. I will have the hygienist do a manual cleaning without the high pitched electrical instruments. I can not tolerate the electrical instruments. My gums also recede. I do not have gingivitis yet, and the frequent cleanings have helped avoid gingivitis. I know heart problems are enhanced by dental problems too.

Dry mouth is also a big DM/PM issue. You do not need to have diagnosed sjogren's just to have severe dry mouth with DM/PM. I find that keeping moisture in my mouth has helped with sensitivity and avoiding cavities. I use a prescription product from my dentist that restores moisture in the mouth.

You are in good company with this problem. I hope this helps. Keep us posted.

Hello.

I used Biotene products (toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum) and Prevident toothpaste to counter dry mouth. Dry mouth contributes to sensitivity and also invites poor oral health - maybe these could help?
Hope you start to feel better...

Krissy, thanks for this post. Trpt1 and Redd, thanks for your comments on dry mouth. I never knew this was associated with PM/DM, and yet it has been a problem for me. I'm going to speak with the doctor about this at my next appointment; because I recently had to have 2 teeth extracted, because they both abcessed and I couldn't afford 2 root canals and 2 crowns ($5,000). Grrrrr! Wonder if I could have used something to avoid the problem.

Hi Nanny. Sorry about the teeth. It may be a comfort to know that my dentist recently started root canal for me but it failed and I had the tooth extracted today. Another thing!!!!! Autumm

Hey Everyone, I forgot to mention, but the product I use for dry mouth is called NeutraSal. You can read about it at www.neutrasal.com This product is by prescription. It is expensive, but insurance will take care of the cost.

The problem with drinking lots of water is that water will actually deplete your saliva. Neutrasal restores natural pH and a saliva balance. Drinking lots of water or Gatoraid is only good for our dehydration which is common with DM/PM.

I hope this product will be helpful.

I had similar issues until I tapered my prednisone. I asked my dentist for advice and he gave me some higher floride toothpaste to help build up the enamel.
Also, a mouthwash called Chlorhexidine. It's good for people with immune suppression because we're prone to oral infections. It also helped with soreness of my gums/teeth.

Hopefully that helps you a bit! :)