Fibro, dry mouth, and tooth decay

I recently had a dental appointment to get a temporary crown put on a tooth in which I had a root canal done. The cavity initially had been on the tooth's root. I thought that was odd.

Now I found out that I have another tooth that has a cavity on the root! My dentist seemed shocked by this and kept commenting about how odd that was, saying "I don't know when I've seen this." He then said he thinks my health condition is playing a part.

I asked him if dry mouth is a factor, and he said 'yes.' I drink lots of water during the day and in the evening. I regularly brush (3 times a day, and yes, I'm gentle). I floss at least once a day; sometimes twice, if it's something that tends to get stuck between teeth. I wonder, though, if my receding gums (due to my age), along with flossing isn't exposing the tooth roots? Still, my hygienist always says I'm doing a great job of flossing (maybe TOO good??). I don't know, though.

The dentist also said that sometimes sinus issues can cause similar problems. I do have bad sinuses (my whole family did, as do some of my children). This is concerning because my dentist said he has seen where no cavity is found on x-ray, but a root canal is needed "out of the blue" likely because of sinus issues! Ouch. How do you prevent that one??

I know meds can dry us out, but currently, I'm not taking anything regularly. My doctor has OK'd me to take 'as needed.'

When I sleep, I don't gasp for air or anything (unless I have a bad cold), but I often wake up and find that my mouth has been open and is very dry. My teeth are also dry, then!

Has anyone else developed more dental problems since being diagnosed with fibro? I go for regular cleanings, watch sweets, etc. and I don't know what else I can do to stop this, especially the dry mouth I get overnight.

Any help/insight/related experiences much appreciated.

Don't even get me started. My fibro began after a bad root canal by an endodontist. It got infected, I took antibiotics (and felt wonderful!) and eight days later started feeling like crap again. They replaced the root canal and I have pretty much been stuck like this since. I need to go to the dentist but I'm actually now one f those people too scared to go. Even with covered dental insurance.

I do think the fact that our sleep disturbances really bother the cell regeneration process and immune system, making me think that while sinuses could have contributed, I think your body just couldn't fight what was happening .

I too wake up in the middle of the night with t mouth open. SO gross.

Luvs, Google "root caries" and you will find a ton of info on this. It's fairly common as we age due to receding gums and also bacteria in the mouth. Also eating sugary foods and drinking sodas can add to the problem. From what I have seen, flouride treatment helps. I think it's something in addition to using flouride toothpaste.

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? If so you can have bacteria there. My husband had to have all areas of his gums treated for periodontal disease.

You seem to be doing just,about everything right but you might want to use something that acts as saliva that people with Sjogren's use. I think it's called Biotin...not sure about that. There was mention that sometimes we don't produce as much saliva as we age.

But do Google root caries. You will learn a lot there. I'm surprised that your dentist seems surprised. When I googled it there was so much information about this problem.

Ljm, yes, they still do root canals. I had one done a couple of years ago and it only took 2 hours from start to finish. My dentist makes the crown while you are in the dental chair and it was painless, too.

Sherrine