Dental problems - side effect?

Is anyone experiencing a degeneration of their teeth?  I'm half-way through tx (shot 12) and have noticed the edges of my teeth seem to be wearing away.  I've never had dental problems and have been told I have strong teeth.  Also plagued with TMJ since starting treatment, sometimes my jaw cracks and brings tears to my eyes!  I started taking liquid calcium and magnesium before goiing to bed, it tends to relax the bones a bit.  For those having bad joint aches, they may want to try it.
I've been very fortunate to not have experienced some of the more severe sides I've read about.  I atribute that to staying as active as possible (bicycle rides and the gym 2x's a week).  Recommend this to everyone!  Can't say I jump up and down for joy when I think about going to they gym however I believe even the 40 minutes I spend has helped immensely.  I also suspect the increase in circulation helps my body metabolize the drugs faster.  
I've followed the "natural" cures for three years while debating about tx and offer this comment; the vitamins and supplements can help your liver function but I don't think they are strong enough to clear the virus.  
I appreciate any insight you can provide on my the dental concerns.  I made an appointment with my dentist but she probably won't have any expereince with Hep C treatments.

[MajNeni]

My dentist prescribed a TMJ device for me some years ago; it's an expensive gizmo (~$450) but it helped.  It also helped keep me from biting myself inside my mouth, or irritating any mouth sores.  However, I suspect that the mouthguards sold in sporting goods stores for in-line-skating, etc., might do the trick just as well; they're around $10.
For many people, Tx makes our mouths drier in general, and at night in particular.  Very conscientious oral hygiene is needed.  Even so, my dental hygienist explained that the drier mouth leads to more problems below the gumline.  Because we don't have as effective rinsing with saliva, bacteria have a more stagnant place to flourish.  Biotene mouth rinse is most often recommended for prevention; it has no alcohol, kills a lot of the germs, and gets rid of much of the "foulmouth."

[DH Bill]

I too have TMJ and am experiencing what seems to be teeth wear. Week 12 of 48. I have very good stong teeth.

[meandhepc]

This is a great question and I hope there is alot of input on this regarding dental problems from tx. After 60 weeks of tx my teeth feel like Kyana's like they are receding, especially on capped teeth and are very sensitive at times. I too have tmj and hear the pops more often. I also have decided to make an appt soon with my dentist, but he's not up to par on Interferon tx and dental problems....the thought of calling dentists and asking if he is "interferon savey" then changing dentists, insurance verification etc just doesn't sound appealing at this time....you know, fatigue-anxiety-sitting in dentist office-brain fog-etc-etc But I need my teefers....... :)

[louisep]

Hi Kyana,
Hope you don't mind me jumping in on this as i can't answer your question, however, according to my husband I started grinding my teeth around three years ago.  I was told I have Hep c in Feb 2003 and haven't started treatment yet, but my teeth grinding has got worse, I sometimes get pain above my right eye running down through my jaw, severe earache and occasionally a rash on my eyebrow. Iwandered if this was related to Hep c, but my GP says the rash is either a allergic exma (eczema) or a hair folicle, basically he didn't know much.  They took a swab on the rash as it forms little cluster blisters but apparently nothing came up.  Has anyone else experienced this?  I'm worried about my teeth and treatment too.

[MajNeni]

look back at my post under "neupo.not working" Oct.22    M.N.

[Kyana]

Thanks for your responses, it's always great to know I'm not alone.  Is the Biotene mouthwash readily available at the store or do I need a prescription?  
I don't post often but being able to read and learn about everyone's else experiences sure has helped.  Thanks again!

[MajNeni]

I got the Biotene mouthwash at CVS.  Some people also get other Biotene (dental care) products; I think I saw toothpaste.

[oldhippiechick67]

Aww, thanks dearie!  I have Diprolene, and triamcincoline/Kenalog oint...helps a bit!  Not to worry I also have benadryl, pills and gel!  It is pretty dang sunny here and we had a long week of over 100 degree days, record breaking,,,,,Ugh!  Doesnt seem like Halloween weather at all!
Soon we will be able to open the doors and windows for a bit of fresh air!  CANT WAIT!!  Ive got cabin fever!  ta ta 4 now! Augs/OHC

[MajNeni]

Ooh, Auggie, you're in the thick of it.  Sorry, Hon.
There is a newish Rx ointment -  El... something, it is newish, supposed to blow away eczema.  Some have used Ultravate and Diprolene, too.  
Check if you might have psoriasis; it sometimes comes on with  tx, and can include psoriatric arthritis.  It's not a nice side, but can be helped some.  CharlieH had it really bad, but I believe it's gotten better after tx.
Sorry you've got all this to deal with.  I love the sunshine and common sense you bring to this board.
Maj Neni

[AK - Hepper]

Elidel is what it's called, I use it and it works great!

[oldhippiechick67]

I heard you can get Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste at WalMart
and you dont need an Rx.  I have had the excema  (sp?) problem too -  eyebrows, ears, elbows, knees...scalp, UGH. Aches in the teeth, jaws, sinuses, comes and goes.  Itching, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, on and on, tx is full of sides.

[TESSTUBE]

If you are grinding your teeth you may need to have a good dentist and/or oral surgeon check you out before you start tx. Tell him/her all your syptoms (symptoms).I have to sleep with a little "appliance" to protect my teeth since I've been a teeth grinder/jaw clencher also.  Not sure if it was related to Hep C or not.  

Grinding your teeth can wear them down and can cause teeth to fracture.  I had an old root canaled/capped tooth fracture and abcess (abscess) about six months before I started tx.  Those kinds of problems can get up into you sinus and cause an assortment of problems.  Not too long ago I read a thread on this site from Tigerpants who had to be pulled off treatment with bad sides and one of the contributing factors may have been an absessed tooth.  

Louisep - hope these tidbits help...good luck...

[MajNeni]

Wahooo!  We're getting where we don't want to open the windows, just save the heat... Lets swap some of it.  
We'll have it dark and prob. snowy on Halloween.  People have a lot of decorations up; there is a 5' electronic Jack-o-Lantern across the street, and orange light strings on the shrubbery.  That would look interesting under a little snow.  MN

[no where to turn to]

Yes, I also have problems to the point I just got out of the hospital having my teeth removed. Not only were they chipping they were falling out. My immune system made healing a long battle. Now I will go buy myselt a new smile. So I understand how everyone feels. Good luck to every one.  Now I have to work on the thyroid problem the med's left me with At least my viral load is down.

[layla]

I had an accident and have suffered with TMJ problems for many year and had 2 surgeries, (Best thing I did). Tx can cause some stress on muscles and this will cause more TMJ problems if it's in your face. If it's severe your dentist may give you a mild muscle relaxer for a couple days. This can help a lot if this is the problem. Any stress can exasperate TMJ and this tx causes plenty. I had a dental check up before tx and go every 3 months while on tx, I'm on shot 35. After my first 90 days on tx my cleaning showed problems already and more on the next one. I have found my gums to be receding a bit and I have to take special care to clean and floss better and more often, Also using listerine/antibacterial regularly will help with fighting bacteria. Never go to bed without doing all 3 so all this bacteria isn't sitting in your mouth all night. We are also more suseptible to infection on tx and our mouths are breeding grounds. LL

[louisep]

Hi, nice to meet you.  Thank you for your information on teeth grinding, it really helps.  I'll go get one of those things asap.
Louise