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

Just curious -- would having AS affect your teeth, jaws or gums? I've had to make yet another appointment with the dentist and we got to thinking about the past 20 years and what has happened in my mouth (along with everything else). Seems when I started having symptoms of AS (20 years ago), I also started having mega mouth problems. Coincidence? Genetics? Poor dental hygiene?

Seriously -- any corelation here?

Thanks.

Stay well, Sherree

sheree, my teeth have spondylitis my dentist is currently pulling them out whenever they get bothersome before they become fused and have to get them surgically removed. now I also gotta see doc about my hearing everytime I lay my head down on the right something in my left ear drops and I cant hear outof the ear I switch sides and I hear clunk and then I get a little sound back....wierd huh.....ask your dentist about teeth fusing my dentist it is a part of AS.....oak

I am older then I look and I feel older than I am

Hi, Sherree:

Yes, there is much correlation between AS and dental problems. Aside from the obvious calcium loss (this is systemic) which causes a breakdown of the gingiva, exposing more of the tooth to the mouth environment, Sjögren’s Syndrome causes less washing of the teeth with proper secretory natural antibacterial stuff so we get more cavities than the average sugar and starch eater--even when we don't eat these foods. The spacings between tooth and gum are also increased, allowing for more gum disease, also.

Best Regards,
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.

I always wondered why the gaps inbetween my teeth were increasing it can get very annoying at times.....oak

I am older then I look and I feel older than I am

John - thanks for the info -- what is Sjögren’s Syndrome? Is this something else that requires a diagnosis or do we automatically have it?

Your explanation sure puts more pieces together in the puzzle...

Thanks.

Sherree

Hi,

There's other problems too, wisdom teeth can calcify in place.

There's some muscles in the back which can refer pain into the back molars. they tend to hurt around the T4 area.....as well.

Of course the neck can refer pain into the mouth/face.....esp when it comes up the occiptals and irritate the trigermals

TMJ is to AS as "cookies and cream".....

David

Egad, John, that explains so much!! Like why after years of perfect teeth, my gums are receding at record pace. Good god. Does this thing never stop!!!???

Is there anything we can do to minimize this before my teeth fall out?

Hugs,

Kat


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

Hi, Kat:

Treatment would logically be to Kill the germ*...then don't feed the ones remaining. And also Supplement with plenty of magnesium to correct the Ca/Mg ratio, and plenty of calcium to replace that already lost by the alveolar bone, plus zinc, and boron to help assure the calcium stays in the right places.

If this is a major problem it should require long-term treatment with about 2g calcium citrate and 1g magnesium malate daily taken on empty stomach that is working properly (no salt-restriction/no duodenal ulcers). Sunlight for vitD is also very important as Krishna has recently demonstrated, but the bone co-factors should also be taken at multiple RDAs. Reduction of red meat and phosphoric acid-containing soft drinks will be helpful (as per Wallach).


*Action of germ: Infection. And this triggers OPGL production which increases osteoclast activity, causing bone loss leading to osteoporosis and that includes the teeth and associated (and even all-) structures that rely upon calcium.

Best Regards,
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.

I went to the dentist this morning. I explained what I had and she knew right away the complications that AS causes to the mouth, teeth, gums, etc. Explained alot of things to me that John, bless you for the heads up. I had a good sensible conversation and we can actually figure out what to do now. Of course, nothing will actually stop this, but I can do things to slow it down. The last thing I want are dentures!!! Root canal work, ain't it grand!


Kat: I too have had an incredible increase in the pace at which my teeth & gums have changed. Scary, isn't it. Is there no place on our bodies that isn't affected by AS????

Stay well and thanks again for the information.

Sherree

Yikes - I never knew it could affect the gums and teeth as well. It's in my jaw, which has begun making grinding noises, but my teeth are apparently in good shape.

How long does it take to show up in your gums/teeth?