Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group AS, Teeth & Jaw

Hi Sherree,
I have a lot of problems with pain in my jaws. There are days I can hardly chew. I didn't know that some of the other dental problems you and some of the other members mention where caused by AS. Thanks for the info.

Rebecca

You know, John, I've been really bad about taking my cal/mag supplement the last six months. (I think I've gone into pill overload). This is just more reason to start it up again. Thanks for the push.

Hugs,

Kat


"I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work."- Thomas Edison

Kat...funny you should mention that. I stare at the Calcium bottle every day. However, the thought of taking still more pills has just flattened me! I will however, start again, once this current crisis with my mouth passes. I have found tho, if I take one in the morning and one at night it does seem easier to handle. Ah the joys....

Enjoy your day.

Sherree

Isn't it stunning how out and out idiotic we can be about these things? I mean, here we are, truly needing these things, but because it's more of something we don't want to be taking in the first place, we won't take it, no matter how much we need them.

That mule on our KA logo gets more and more germaine every day!

Hugs,

Kat


"I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work."- Thomas Edison

Hi, Rebecca:

TMJ is common in AS, Crohn's and related conditions.

When I get this, I have to begin paying more attention to starches (even from low-content vegetables) and cheese, but before I learned about the NSD I had a constant battle with jaw pain.

Supposed it was Nature's way of preventing me from eating the wrong stuff--or anything at all.

Speedy healing to You,
John

"Unfortunately, the soul’s need for learning often brings about the full-blown disease. And it must be cared for creatively, or allowed to take its course."
William A. McGarey, M.D., Director of Medical Research, A.R.E Clinic.

Hi Sherree,
As you're finding out...AS can cause lot's of problems with the mouth, jaw etc...
I had to have jaw surgery for TMJ in 1988 and at this time we didn't know I had AS and now they have figured out the reason for it.
The last few years I have been having major trouble with my teeth and started needing deep cleanings, which were very painful. I couldn't understand it, because my teeth looked nice, but they didn't feel nice.
Then the nerves started being exposed and like it was mentioned by someone else, the spaces started getting bigger and doc said I had like 75 % bone loss.
About 3 years ago, after having one of my fun deep cleanings done, doc told me that if things looked any worse at my next visit then we seriously needed to think about pulling. This scared the you know what out of me, because up to this time, at every visit, things got worse.
So, I went and purchased a cyber sonic electric toothbrush and this made all the difference. Three months after using it faithfully...flossing tool and all, I went back to see him and he was amazed at how well they were doing. He expected to start setting me up for surgery, but instead I had a light cleaning and was on my way. They hadn't gotten any worse so we didn't need to do anything drastic yet.
My gums weren't bleeding anymore and they didn't hurt any longer.
Every time I use the flosser I feel like I just left the dentist, that's how good it works.
It's been 3 years now and I still have my teeth. My last appt, which was a few weeks ago he suggested another deep cleaning, but we aren't talking pulling anymore and I am hoping we won't have to for awhile.
I am sure it's inevitable that in time they will have to be pulled, but I was able to have them longer than I expected and will try to hold on to them for as long as I can. They honestly feel so much better.

Anyway, I suggest picking up one of the electronic brushes.
If I remember right it was Cheryl who recommended it to me and me and my teeth will be forever grateful to her for allowing us more time together

Hope this helps!
Hugs,
Lisa

Hi Lisa...wow, we've had quite similar conversations with dentists. All this time, I thought I just lost the ability to take care of my mouth -- no matter what I did. I'm relieved that I'm certainly not the only one. I just wish I knew years ago. I've had quite a time trying to keep my teeth - the ones that had to come out seemed like they were glued in! I have (I'm guessing) TMJ on the right side - my husband can hear it pop when I eat...pleasant. Bone loss & gum loss seem to be a big thing as well - you'd think my teeth would just fall out, but tough little stinkers they are!

What is the name of your handy dandy tooth thingy. Gotta get me one of those in a hurry! I'm having a root canal (joy of joys) tomorrow and want to get started on a new regime asap.

Thanks so much for the information. So glad I'm not alone and losing my mind!

Stay well,

Sherree

Hi Sherree,

I've also had similar dental challenges, but thankfully no TMJ woes. Although, with increased neck involvement/fusion, I'll be surprized if I can continue avoiding TMJ in future.

I was only 26 y/o when referred to a periodontist for the 1st time. I'd had a rough go of AS for 8 yrs by that point, and this old doc believed it was highly likely that my dental problems were related to the inflammatory nature of AS. He said something about them both being connective tissue diseases (?if I remember correctly), and since he'd never seen someone so young requiring gum surgery, AS was suspect #1. I suppose it wasn't so strange that he was very excited to have me as his patient, since he wanted x-ray evidence to confirm some theory he had (he was also a professor) about nsaids, gum surgery, and recovery times. I'd already been on nsaids for roughly 5 yrs, and (with my permission to do before and after x-rays) I recovered from the surgery at record speed due to the anti-inflams, and proved him right!

I think I had 1 more small surgery sometime in my early 30's, and have since avoided more by getting preventative deep cleanings done every now and then. My latest periodontist okay'ed me using an electric toothbrush (my idea), but insisted I also use a tiny wee brush dipped in diluted hydrogen peroxide to use in between teeth 2 x's /wk. She says if everyone did this, then all periodontist's would soon be out of business , and I think she was right, as I've never needed to go back. On the other hand, she poo-pooed the idea that it might be related to AS, so (IMHO) she's not as bright as she may think she is. Luckily, I've continued winning this battle over the years and my teeth are happy, mainly due to my first and very smart perio doc having given me the head's up.

Hugs,

mig

Hi there, hm. I switched to a soft bristle brush and promised to stop scrubbing when I brush last check-up because my gums are receding. I brush correctly, I just like the feel of the bristles on my gums, so I tend to brush a little harder than I should. Anyway, this time around, the hygenist suggested I get an electric so that I don't have to worry about whether or not I'm brushing too hard.

So, what kind would you suggest? Is one of those little battery operated ones made by Crest or Colgate good enough?

And this deep cleansing, is that something my dentist can do? Does it hurt? 'Cause if it does, the chances of me doing it are slim. I have zero pain tolerance in my mouth.

And Mel, what's that little brush you speak of with the peroxide. Basically, I have really good teeth and want to keep them that way. No pulling for me, darnit!

Hugs,

Kat


"I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work."- Thomas Edison