| Re: Teeth Problems with Lupus/Sjogrens Syndrome
Katycorvette, hi & welcome. Do you have general bone loss that could also be causing loose teeth? Are you prone to plaque build-up that may demand more frequent cleaning/scaling that the usual 2x yearly? Or tend to get decay forming under old fillings? Have you taken steroids?
All above is true for me EXCEPT steroids. Despite decades of problems, I wasn't Dx'ed until my mid/late 40's. Long story, best summarized as my misfortune in being ANA-negative but positive for anti-Ro, a mystery to my suburban doctors & to myself, too. I wasn't Dx'ed with Sjogren's, just lupus.
I have bad osteoporosis, which runs in my family but also was probably exacerbated by years of unchecked inflammation. Plus I'm post-menopausal. I've taken Fosamax for years. And I *think* the latest word on calcium pills is that they may not do much to help bones, that calcium consumed in FOOD seems to do much more. You could ask your rheumie for advice.
I know another Ro-lupus woman who took Prednisone for years. She broke off teeth at night, and also suffered multiple broken fingers while asleep.
Do you love your dentist? I switched to someone who accepts no insurance (ouch!), because he wanted to replace two ill-fitting caps that were throwing off my bite & also set me up for more cleanings yearly.
I hope something above helps & that you keep posting here. Sincerely, Vee
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