Gum and Tooth infections

[Lisajs]

Hi

I have been on azathioprine for the last 3/4 years and have come to notice that I seem to have a lot of gum / tooth infections. I have had 3 confirmed infections in the last 2 years. Waiting on a dentist appointment to confirm a 4th.

Does anyone know if they are linked with my meds? Or am I just unlucky??

I clean my teeth and use mouthwash twice a day and don't really know what else I can do. If nothing else it's costing me a fortune in dental and prescription charges!!! Lol

Many thanks

Lisa

 

[KayleighMeek]

Have you tried flossing as well as what you are already doing? It may not solve all the problems you are having but it may help, It's amazing what brushing doesn't get rid of. I suffer from gum inflammation on and off I guess its to do with the disease and medications but flossing has helped to reduce this for me.

 

[Lisajs]

I have to say I don't floss ( hate it) but might have to give it another try.

Thanks

 

[KayleighMeek]

It's not the nicest it has taken me a long time to get used to it. Like you say though it could be its something you are more prone to because of the meds/disease. I hate going to the dentist so I just do everything I can to try and keep away lol. I had a gum infection last Xmas it was horrible and so painfull. Hopefully your dentist can give you some advice about it too and get it feeling better.

 

[alex_chris]

I have to say I don't floss ( hate it) but might have to give it another try.

Thanks

I know that has nothing to do with your question (I have been on and off aza since 2003 and since then actually never again had any infections in my mouth) but my dentist told me a long time ago that no adult gets into trouble with their teeth on the outer areas - it is virtually exclusively the areas in between teeth which get you into trouble. If someone asked him to choose between flossing and brushing he would always take flossing as it is much more important than brushing.

 

[Lisajs]

Thanks for that Alex _ Chris. Think I need a new dentist!!! Lol

 

[Ronald]

I have to brush my teeth after everything I eat otherwise I get some sort of inflammation or problems with my mouth. That was drilled into me from having braces though, it's second nature for me to do it now lol.

 

[4peace]

oh, absolutely! I have continuous problems and have spent a small fortune at the dentist's office. Just this week I was there and it was explained to me that those with compromised immune systems simply cannot fight off the bacteria that everyone as in their mouths. Normal immune systems deal with the bacteria (if you are keeping up with brushing/flossing) but since we are on immune suppressing meds, ours doesn't work as well and the bacteria is free to wreak havoc. Fun times......

 

[lilac]

I get tooth and gum infections a lot despite my best in keeping good oral hygiene so I appreciate what your going through! Its murder :thumleft: