Teeth Pain

[sarahmanda]

I've looked several places, but haven't found any thing that really answers my question...

I know that high phosphorus can cause bone deteroration, but can it also cause tooth pain/probems? My teeth have been hurting a lot lately and I have a history of clenching my jaw/grinding my teeth when I sleep, but it's a different kind of pain, more like it's coming from the inside of the tooth. I don't have any dental coverage (just my Medicare) and I know it only pays for the eval necessary for transplant. I need to get it checked anyway, but I was just trying to figure out if maybe it was all connected.

any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Sarah

[kristina]

I have had severe problems with my gums last year, but I suggest you first go to a good dentist to get a diagnosis
of precisely what the problem is because there can be several reasons.
 
In my case I had deep pockets around the back teeth which I was told needed special attention by a specialist
but because I felt that aggressive treatment might cause me a Lupus/SLE/MCTD-flare-up
and have an effect in deteriorating my kidneys further, I, in agreement with my dentist
carried out a thorough brushing of my teeth following a very precise method.

For this I bought an electric tooth-brush, and a special pencil-like-tooth-brush,
and brushed my teeth into the gums thoroughly but very gently three times a day after each meal.
 
My dentist was at first unsure if this would work, but I persevered and within a year my gums were back to normal
and thereby I avoided root-treatment which would have been a quite formidable undertaking.
 
I also have tenderness and when this occurs I use as special toothpaste which cures the problem until the next time.
So, it is possible in some cases to get one’s teeth back in good condition without undergoing severe dental treatment.

But please, you must get it diagnosed by a good dentist first.

Good luck from Kristina.

[casper2636]

I've had problems with my teeth since I started D. I, all of a sudden, started getting cavities right at the base of my molars into the gum line. They were very disturbing, as I could feel them with my tongue and was just waiting for them to become painful. I went to my trusted dentist and she said that because of the dryness that D caused, it promoted tooth decay. And no matter how much I brushed, it happened because of my dry mouth. She suggested sucking on candy to help the salivary glands, but at the same time that would promote cavities. Big catch 22. Anyone here anything different?

[LarryG]

After ESRD my teeth started going bad real quick. One of my front teeth that I thought was in good shape just broke and I was devastated. Before you are approved in the state of Illinois to get on the transplant list you need to get a dental evaluation that your teeth are in good shape and there is no sign of infection. After trying to find a good dentist the hospital that I am listed at has a wonderful dental college and they took Medicaid and other forms of insurance and aid. They are far more cheaper and they took care of me with bridges,partials and crowns that were done with excellent care. I am in Chicago so I would think where ever you live look into a dental college for your work. I recommend it.

[Hazmat35]

This is really interesting.  I too have had nothing but problems, ever since I started Dialysis. 

I have always been the person who had "perfect" teeth.  A few cavities now and then, but WHITE STRAIGHT teeth all my life until recently. 

My teeth have become brittle, and I have chipped and split about 5 now.  Even cracked / split my front eye tooth.  It has too be something that they are doing.

[RightSide]

My teeth started to really fall apart after I developed ESRD.

I wasn't surprised.

Teeth are kept strong by the same minerals--calcium and phosphorus--that keeps bones strong.  So if renal failure plays havoc with your minerals, causing your bones to soften (leading to pain in joints, etc.), why shouldn't it also do the same damage to your teeth?

[sullidog]

I too had more dental work done since I went on d. I would also advise to get your wisdom teeth pulled as well to lower infection risks.

[LarryG]

A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology reported that people with kidney disease and those on dialysis are more likely to have periodontal disease and other oral health problemsthan the general population. Buildup of bacteria in the mouth can cause infection. Because people with kidney disease have weakened immune systems, they are more susceptible to infections. The inflammation caused by periodontal disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Regular visits to the dentist can cut risk of infection and periodontal disease.

Bone loss in the jaw can occur in those with kidney disease. Calcium imbalance contributes to loss of calcium from the bones resulting in weak bones. Weak bones can cause teeth to become loose and potentially fall out. The best way to help prevent bone loss is to make sure calcium and phosphorus levels stay within the goal range.

Kidney patients are advised to tell their kidney doctor when a dental procedure is required. The doctor may recommend antibiotics be taken prior to the procedure to help guard against infection. The dentist should be made aware that their patient has kidney disease or is on dialysis. The dentist will take this into consideration during treatment and if prescribing medicines.  Ideally, dental procedures, such as tooth extraction, should occur on a non-dialysis day for those on hemodialysis. Heparin, administered during hemodialysis, may cause some people to have extra bleeding.

 During workup for a kidney transplant a person will undergo a thorough oral exam. Infections from gum disease or advanced tooth decay can prevent someone from being eligible or delay the transplant until dental work is completed

[keefbeer]

This pdf file has some information on this subject

http://www.homedialysis.org/files/pdf/resources/tom/200807.pdf