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UC and Teeth.

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/9/2009 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Lately I've been having a lot of problems with my teeth.  I've already had two root canals done this year and have noticed that bits of my teeth are falling out.  At my last root canal, my dentist couldn't figure out why the nerve in my upper right molar was getting smaller.  Could these tooth related issues be UC related?  Is it because of my meds?  I've never had this problem before and I usually take good care of my teeth.

Thanks.

Posted 10/9/2009 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
32.
Posted 10/9/2009 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
I would think it is more likely the medication than the UC.

Did you have a lot of dental problems when you were younger? The teeth that required root canals, were they filled? Do you have a lot of fillings? I notice that a lot of my old fillings are starting to have issues and I am in my early 30s. I've always had cavities and although they are filled, fillings don't last forever.

Posted 10/9/2009 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Could it be from the chemicals of the medication?

I haven't really had any major issues with my teeth when I was younger, just recently. I have about two fillings and none of them were on the teeth that had the root canals or on the teeth that small bits are falling out from.
Posted 10/9/2009 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
I wonder the same as you. I got diagnosed with colitis almost a year ago now. I just had 5 cavities filled, which is an unusual high amount, but I did missed my 6 month cleaning and experimented with toothpaste that didn't have fluoride for maybe a month or so. I avoided sugary foods and drinks during that whole time and still got 5 cavities.

The only meds I take are a very low dosage of Sulfasalzine and FLomax for prostrate issues.
Posted 10/9/2009 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
My teeth are complete crap. I could brush and floss twice a day and I would still have cavities at my annual appointment. My last trip to the dentist was really embarrassing...My brothers have really crappy teeth too so I always figured genetically we just have bad teeth. I never thought of my digestive issues contributing to my teeth problems. I guess it makes sense though. I'm lactose intolerant and its twice is bad when I'm flaring so there I'm not getting a lot of calcium. Also when I'm flaring I eat like a bird so I don't get a lot of nutrients.
Posted 10/10/2009 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
When you write that you keep losing bits of teeth-- it makes me wonder whether you are grinding your teeth during sleep. My dentist told me yrs back that teeth grinding during sleep is common to patients with GI disorders. You might want to investigate this further & possibly get a mouth guard to wear at night to prevent further damage. It helped me to wear one in my early yrs with UC, when I ground off bits of about 3 molars. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])
Posted 10/10/2009 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
WOW you guys...OUCH....

Bad teeth can be very hereditary...I've had falring crohn's for 18 yrs straight and my teeth are in excellent condition, last cavity I ever had was even before IBD when I was 19yrs old (generally they say that once you hit adulthood, cavities are lessend and instead it's receding gums that become more of an issue), but if you're in your adulthood and you take good care of your teeth and still have serious cavity/dental issue (iother than receding gums) then it very well could be heredity, general bad health, possibly medications, or gum disease which can cause your gums to recede even quicker therefor causing teeth to fall out prematurely.

Hope you find the answers and relief.

:)
Posted 10/10/2009 7:21 AM (GMT 0)
It's difficult to say...could be hereditary or certain bacteria or grinding that definitely weakens the walls of the teeth.

Regarding if it's UC...I don't think so, but if you have had certain deficiencies of minerals from diarrhea, it's possibly from that.

The meds...possible, but I don't think it's from the 5ASA...I've used it for 20 years, and no problemo for me.

My teeth are good, and all fillings were from my teen years. I have,however, had receeding gums which caused sensitivity. They were filled in with epoxy over a year ago and have been no problem for me since then, thankfully.

I'm wondering if you're getting enough vitamin D and calcium.

What toothpaste are you using? I hear that antibacterial toothpaste could help with the cavity causing bacteria. but, wondering if you can get checked for that firstly?

Do you have any gum problems or just teeth?

quincy
Posted 10/10/2009 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
     I grew up in the pre floride days, so I always had issues with my teeth.  However, I found that prednisone took a toll on my gums and teeth.  Seems like every time I go on that stuff I always either have a root canal issue or something like that.  We were on vacation in the mountains for the last two weeks and Wednesday one of my crowns fell off and I wasn't even eating anything gooey.  I have been off prednisone for about a month but I did take it for three months prior.
Posted 10/10/2009 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
I dunno, I don't feel like it would be your meds, but maybe. I don't see why it couldn't be the UC either, it can cause all kinds of extra-instestinal issues. I would also try some calcuium and vitamin D. My teeth aren't great, but neither are mom's or grandpa's. And I guess three cavities when I hadn't been to the dentist since 9th grade isn't bad lol. But yeah, wonder if the dentist could do some bacteria and acidity tests or somethin?
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