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Will Prednisone also cause tooth problems/decay?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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UCreallySUCKS
Regular Member
Joined : May 2006
Posts : 260
Posted 11/26/2007 1:57 PM (GMT -8)
We all know Prednisone can cause bone loss, but can it also cause you teeth to deteriorate? Or for them to decay more quickly?  I just noticed about a week ago a tooth that seems to have pain out of nowhere, then yesterday another tooth has the same thing.  Whether it's a cavity or some other tooth problem I don't know yet (see the dentist next month), but I've read a few things online recently about patients having tooth problems after being on Prednisone.  I've been on it many many months the past 1.5 years.
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princesa
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2007
Posts : 2204
Posted 11/26/2007 3:03 PM (GMT -8)
In my experience, yes. There's a discussion already going on about it toward the end of this thread:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=976936
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UCreallySUCKS
Regular Member
Joined : May 2006
Posts : 260
Posted 11/26/2007 3:21 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks princesa...the info on the other thread isn't what I wanted to hear...but what I was looking for.
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kazygirl
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 955
Posted 11/26/2007 4:05 PM (GMT -8)
im having same problem atm (at the moment)
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icanrace
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 224
Posted 11/26/2007 4:08 PM (GMT -8)
yes, absolutley!

Since I started taking Pred (8th week) my teeth are VERY SENSITIVE to anything cold, especially my front teeth.
I'm down to 15mg and I'm getting off this stuff, flaring or not.
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bk1579
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 100
Posted 11/27/2007 7:00 AM (GMT -8)
Oh yes, I'm with "icanrace"...When I started on Pred, in just a week or two, my teeth became extremely sensitive to anything cold, even mild water out of the tap...I'm finally off of pred, first time in close to 8 months...My teeth are still very sensitive...I wonder if that will go away?? Anyone know??
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Old Hat
Veteran Member
Joined : Feb 2007
Posts : 5812
Posted 11/27/2007 7:15 AM (GMT -8)
My dentist told me that Prednisone is bad for the connective tissues, tiny ligaments that anchor the teeth in place. He taught me to be fanatic about dental hygiene, especially flossing & using interdental brush as well as regular toothbrush. It definitely helped because I was developing major periodontal problems, likely from a course of Pred for severe UC flare + middle age. For those with tooth sensitivity, try using Sensodyne toothpaste for a while-- it will likely help. Usually the chain drugstores have trial sizes you can pick up to test out. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 Colazal daily; seem to be back in remission)

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pb4
Elite Member
Joined : Feb 2004
Posts : 20577
Posted 11/27/2007 8:11 AM (GMT -8)
I got off very lucky with being on and off pred over so many yrs for my crohns-colitis that my teeth and gums are so healthy, I've always been an avid brusher and flosser so that probably helped, along with regular dental check ups (although there were a few yrs I missed here and there due to such terrible flare ups...increasing calcium can likely help with teeth/gum issues as well.

:)
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tats
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2007
Posts : 54
Posted 11/27/2007 7:51 PM (GMT -8)
omg i thought i was the only one. Im walking and the wind hits my front teeth and ouchhhhhhh. I drink something and my teeth r so sensitive..Im also experiencing some blurry vision. Has any1 else had that?
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kazygirl
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 955
Posted 11/27/2007 8:09 PM (GMT -8)
OMG... yes, blurry vision.. i went to eye doctor and had a check up last thursday.
he said there is some cloudiness forming over my eyes but that it is most likely from the prednisone and will go away once i am off of it.
they get blurry about half way through the day and its annoying.

otherwise my eyes are perfectly fine. (according to the eye tests)

i also am having the teeth problem too :(

stupid prednisone!
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dakotagirl
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2006
Posts : 3402
Posted 11/28/2007 11:48 AM (GMT -8)
Yes - the pred resulted in major tooth sensitivity for me. It took a long time - and using a sensitive teeth toothpaste - for my teeth to return to "normal". (I liked the Crest the best.)

Once again a reminder - if you're on pred, take your calcium!!!

Has anyone tried the new mouthwashes that are supposed to help deposit minerals back in your teeth? ACT is the one that comes to mind...
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mogulz
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2008
Posts : 21
Posted 3/16/2009 5:11 AM (GMT -8)
Currently tapering off Prednisone (have been on for 9 weeks) and at 20mg/daily. Experiencing tooth sensitivity for about 1 week now - out of the blue and very sensitive to cold.
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suebear
Veteran Member
Joined : Feb 2006
Posts : 5698
Posted 3/16/2009 5:20 AM (GMT -8)
Yes, 2.5 years on varying doses of pred left me with very sensitive teeth. I tried all the OTC sensitive toothpastes and the best one for me was Colgate. More than anything I think time has improved the situation. I am 8 years out from my last pred dose and the tooth sensitivity is almost a thing of the past. I still get ocassional bouts but they are less in severity and don't last as long.

Sue
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subdued
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2008
Posts : 3231
Posted 3/16/2009 9:40 AM (GMT -8)
Sensitive teeth is a known side effect of Prednisone.

My teeth became sensitive to anything cold when I was nearing the end of my three-month Prednisone treatment. Two years later, they aren't nearly as sensitive. I've been taking calcium supplements for years. I also take supplements for the joints.
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Peety
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2008
Posts : 2855
Posted 3/16/2009 10:14 AM (GMT -8)
The weird sensation in my teeth (like they feel loose) and the blurry vision that I get from prednisone, these symptoms go away once I'm off it again.
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glamourgirl
Regular Member
Joined : Apr 2008
Posts : 460
Posted 3/16/2009 3:57 PM (GMT -8)
My teeth are still sensitive but not nearly as bad as when I'm on Pred. I use Crest sensitive toothpaste and I guess it's helped. My dentist thought I was crazy that my gums had receded so bad because of the Pred.
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tooth fairy
Regular Member
Joined : Jan 2008
Posts : 98
Posted 3/16/2009 5:14 PM (GMT -8)
Teeth are a little different from bone in their structure. Bone tissue is constantly being rebuilt over a lifetime, which is why bone loss is common with long-term prednisone use. Suddenly the amount of bone being built is less than bone being destroyed. Tooth enamel, once formed, doesn't rebuild itself over a lifetime. You can strengthen enamel with topical fluorides, but once formed (around birth and just after for most permanent teeth), it doesn't readily rebuild itself. This is why you get cavities in your teeth, but you don't get "cavities" in your bones. (your bones can heal; enamel, in most cases, can't.)

That being said, prednisone is absolutely, definitely, a contributor in tooth decay, especially if it's used over the long term. Why? Prednisone decreases salivary flow (it dries out your mouth), depriving your teeth of their natural toothpaste, and making the mouth environment more acidic. When your mouth is dry, your teeth tend to be more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet. Also, prednisone can cause changes in your gum tissue. Many of my patients complain of bleeding gums, or gum swelling, or teeth loosening, while on this medication. When gums are infected, the bacterial load in your mouth is higher than normal, so the bacteria that cause cavities are more active (there are more of them around.)

The moral of the story: If you're on prednisone, especially for the long term, make sure you are getting good, regular care from a trustworthy dentist. Also, make sure your diet is not a contributing factor to possible decay--take only 3 meals per day, with no more than one snack. DON'T sip on sugary drinks between meals to wet your dry mouth. (Use water instead, or a mouth wetting rinse like biotene) Use a fluoride toothpaste (for sensitive teeth if you have the sensitivity issue) and consider using a fluoride supplement like a gel or rinse. Increase your daily brushing to after each meal.

Prednisone is no fun, that's for sure. I've only had to do 4 tapers of 6-8 weeks each since my diagnosis, and I'd much rather sit where I do now, with mucous and some urgency (but minimal D), than go back on the prednisone and have my body function like it did pre-diagnosis. I'll take my normal personality and no side-effects, thanks!
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kmfdm
Regular Member
Joined : Jun 2008
Posts : 78
Posted 2/17/2011 2:07 AM (GMT -8)
Prednisone is one of the worst drugs that you can take.  Study it.  It's reprecutions are something that I have had to deal with.
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kmfdm
Regular Member
Joined : Jun 2008
Posts : 78
Posted 2/17/2011 2:13 AM (GMT -8)
nly take Prednisone if you have a bowel blockage and there is no other option.  Otherwise-don't take it.  And when you do have to take it-take ...mg a week then decrease 5mg a week, if you don't it will affect your endocrine system.-We all need that system to help us live.  Study whatever drugs you are taking and why you are taking them.  Always!  You are your own doctor, research, learn from what has happened to you so you can tell others. 
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debbie1978
New Member
Joined : Jun 2012
Posts : 2
Posted 6/13/2012 7:01 AM (GMT -8)
i found tis site by google. i typed in predisone/teeth .

my mom has been on high doses of predisone for over 7 yrs. we are now  (after her brain surgery) starting to taper off. we are at 35 this week, was as high as 60mg

mom has been through the sensitivity, but now her teeth are very dark grey, almost starting to look brownish. its such a shame because she has always been good about her teeth :(

has anyone seen this. is this the predisone or possible another med

mom isnt able to brush her teeth, so i now do it for her. which isnt as easy as you might think

 

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Christine1946
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2008
Posts : 5988
Posted 6/16/2012 1:33 PM (GMT -8)
     I believe it!  I cannot count how many dental problems I had when on prednisone...ugh....pieces of teeth breaking off....fillings falling out...just awful!
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Girly Girl
Regular Member
Joined : Apr 2012
Posts : 46
Posted 6/16/2012 1:49 PM (GMT -8)
YES!!!! I have been on Prednisone for 8 months now and have been having teeth that are breaking. I have been on Prednisone off and on for the past 12 years and have had terrible tooth decay. When I first started having problems, the enamel starting showing; while I had braces on. I ended up wearing braces for 3 years and the end result being pretty little teeth. Now they are falling out and look terrible.
The dentist I had at the time was convinced that my tooth decay had nothing to do with Prednisone or my liver disease, but it was me not brushing my teeth. This was not the issue. I started seeing a new dentist who said that the Prednisone and liver disease was the cause, but it was basically too late for all my teeth. I was 19 when my wisdom teeth came in, decalcified and rotten basically. I saw an oral surgeon who said most of my teeth were going to have to come out. My dental insurance doesn't pay much, so I am just kinda stuck, patching teeth that are falling out.
The worst side effect of Prednisone.
I wish everyone with this problem the best of luck--
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ffluffygramma
New Member
Joined : Aug 2009
Posts : 5
Posted 8/22/2012 2:15 PM (GMT -8)
I was put on prednisone 4 1/2 years ago, started at 60mg a day for 8 months and am down to 2mgs a day now. very slow weaning off of it. My teeth have decayed, broken apart, fillings falling out and I have a space between my teeth and gums on a few teeth. shakehead   My dentist at first said that it was because I wasn't brushing my teeth enough. I had been brushing them twice a day and using a mouthrinse both times. I was at the Drs office waiting to be seen and a woman sat down next to me. I smiled at her and she saw a broken tooth and the space between my tooth and gums. She said she had had the same problem when she was on prednisone for a long period of time. When I saw my dentist again I told him about her. He said that he had some research on prednisone and teeth, and said that he was then saying that that was causing my teeth problems. I have to go to an oral surgeon in 2 month to have my upper teeth pulled and dentures put in. I HATE PREDNISONE!!!!!!!!!
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eric503
New Member
Joined : Apr 2013
Posts : 1
Posted 4/10/2013 6:03 PM (GMT -8)
Hello, I had to sign up to this site after reading this. I have the same thing happening but not to me, it's my dog. about 7 months ago my Boxer mix was diagnosed with Lymphoma and she was prescribed 20mg of Prendisone, twice a day. Her condition immediately improved, almost like she had never been sick. She has gained 25 lbs because of her constant hunger, she drinks tons of water, but I just noticed that her gums behind her lower teeth are disappearing. It's not red or inflamed at all, but there is a hole that is growing. My vet had never seen this before and I couldn't find anything under the side effects online, so when I read this, it all made sense. I've taken Prendisone but just for two days for allergies. I hope I never have to take it again and hope all of you have weaned yourselves off it.
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Teddtlove
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2013
Posts : 1038
Posted 4/10/2013 10:17 PM (GMT -8)
I just had a tooth break and I have been on prednisone since Dec. I had no idea it could be related. I had to get a crown.
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