I am 50 yrs old with braces which i have had for past 2 1/2 years. Went through the 8 week sofos/ledi and ribavirin. Teeth doing well. Dont think the drugs in the ION 123 studies cause any issues with teeth.
I had HCV for 30 years without having any dental problems associated, but I'm pretty fanatical about brushing thoroughly with a soft toothbrush and flossing at bedtime every day, no matter what. When I was on tx I developed a lot more dental problems because of the dry mouth caused by the drugs. I think the best advice possible, given that we don't know all the specifics of your situation, is to find yourself a good dentist /hygienist team and follow their advice. Good luck.
Hi and welcome i agree with others i know quite alot of members posted about probs with gums&teeth while on tx, I know my hubby suffered sore gums while on tx so best bet is to go to the dentist and get any work that needs doing before you start tx. Wishing you well Jules
I had some tattoos about 30 years ago and got it from what i thought was a clean place (boy was i wrong) but only just found out that i have it about 4 months ago but i lost my top teeth about 3 years ago and the bottom teeth have been loose and red for about 6 months on and off ,they come good for a while then go back to being loose ect... i havent even started treatment yet .
Direct link to Dental and Orofacial Health and Hepatitis C pdf
http://www.ashm.org.au/images/Publications/Booklets/PBB_DentalOrofacialHepC_V4_Aug2012_WEB.pdf
ASHM is the peak Australasian organisation
Supporting the HIV, viral hepatitis and sexual health workforce.
This resource is written for dentists to provide an overview of the oral manifestations and complications associated with HCV infection and treatments.
I found this site
Hepatitis C New Drug Research And Liver Health
Dental considerations in patients with liver disease
http://hepatitiscnewdrugresearch.com/dental-considerations-in-patients-with-liver-disease.html
Check the topics on the left side menu a ton of information about Hepatitis C and links and is regularly updated
Whose Website Is This ?
Excerpts
I am a woman who "had" HCV with children that lost their father to this disease. I was 43 when diagnosed and went onto treating successfully in 2000.(Intron A/Riba).
Only people who have experienced a chronic illness understand the fear and apprehension felt with each step up the ladder, climbing closer to either medical treatment or a possible cure.
....
I only want to stimulate the thought of treating HCV; Using published data, along with a collection of the latest medical news, clinical trial information, reports from recent conferences, news articles, videos/podcasts, Web searches, and links to other related sources on the Web relating to new Hepatitis C therapies.
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Wishing you all a safe and successful journey.
Tina -
It's an interesting question you ask. My husband only found out he had Hep C 3 years ago. He was infected in 1979 (34 years ago) when he received blood transfusions. He lost most of his teeth about 20 years ago. I did not really understand then why he had such bad gums and loose teeth. He finally had the rest pulled and had full dentures made. Is there a connection - I don't think we can say for sure but it is an interesting thought.
How long have you had Hep C? When did you start losing your teeth?
Liz
I think your best bet would be to see your dentist. With hep c you need to keep up on your general health to include dental care. Hard enough on your body to have to deal with hep c and whatever symptoms that brings. You don't want to give your immune system anything else to deal with.
Good luck
Lynn