Will Prednisone also cause tooth problems/decay?

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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dx proctitis in 1987
dx UC in 1991, was stable until 1998

1998 started prednisone, asacol, pentasa, nortriptylene, ativan, 6MP, rowasa enemas and suppositories, hydrocortisone enemas, tried the SCD diet, being a vegetarian, omega 3s, flax, pranic healing, yoga, acupuncture, probiotics

2000 lost all my B-12 stores and became anemic

2001 opted for j-pouch surgery- now living life med-free

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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49 year old female attorney, diagnosed UC/pancolitis 1985, no surgery but much suffering. Asacol/5ASA 6x400 mg maintenance for 20+ years; use prednisone & Rowasa for flares. 

August 2008 sought care of naturopathic doctor. Food sensitivity test showed wheat/gluten, other intolerances; eliminated all wheat/gluten from my diet. Probiotics (Ultimate Flora, 50 billion), trying Curamin. 

Flaring, seasonal? or supplements too harsh? Back on prednisone, trying 15/20 mg. Appt 3/6 to discuss Humira, etc.   

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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Erica, 32
Pancolitis, diagnosed July 2006, at age 29
(Colonoscopy January 2008 showed active disease just in sigmoid and below!)
Imuran & colazol daily; Rowasa and/or canasa rectal meds as needed for maintenence
Currently pregnant-due October 2009

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. 

     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!

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.   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!!!!!!!!!

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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30 female. Sherrie, 2007 diagnosed with UC, also have Hypothyroidism, Leukocytosis, Agoraphobia, Bipolar tendencies, Panic disorder, Acid reflux, Lactose intolerance, Eczema, Migraines, Degenerative disk, Hypertension, and Anemia.
Lialda, Canasa, Hyoscyamine sulfa, digestive ad lactose defense, lyrica, Lomotil , klor-con20, VSL 3DS, Rainbow light, bit D Pred 20mg, started Humira 12/31