Teeth and RAI

[laram]

Since I have had RAI treatment two years ago
I am having increased dental problems.  Cracked teeth, gums hurt and my jaw aches
Does this sound familiar to anyone?  Solutions?

Thanks

[Liz94]

I was on Levoxyl for 14 years for hypothyroidism and didn't have any problems at all with it.  But, after my thyroidectomy my endo started me on Levoxyl and my body wasn't responding so he switched me to Synthroid to see if it helped and I've been on Synthroid ever since. And now I'm having the teeth issues. I don't think it's the meds. I'm thoroughly convinced it was the RAI that has jacked up my mouth!

[RavingMad]

No, I haven't been on Levoxyl - I'm an Aussie, so up until recently I've been on our synthetic T4 drug (thyroxine) known as 'Eutroxsig' or 'Oroxine', exactly the same - different brand names. I'm now taking Natural Thyroid Extract/Hormone (NTE/NTH) exclusively. This is similar to 'Armour'.

[laram]

Wow, I'm glad I posted this question.   I'm going back to the doctor for some blood work.  Thanks.  

And Liz94 I will try some new sensitive toothpaste. Its funny you mentioned the bloated feeling.  Within the last 6 months I started feeling that too.  

Have either of you been on Levoxyl?  I'm wondering if its my medication.  Maybe there is a better one.

[RavingMad]

My Dr strongly suspects I've got an imbalance - high copper, low zinc. I'll know for sure when I get the blood test results back on 18 Dec. I suffer from really bad hypo symptoms & longstanding period probs. Thyroxine made me feel like death & Natural Thyroid Extract is taking it's time to kick in!

I'm being tested for -
DHEAs, RT3, insulin, iron studies, Vit B12, Vit D, plasma zinc, serum ceruloplasmin, serum copper, transglutamase IgA, IgA, antigliaden IgG and A, fasting homocysteine, TFT & 24hr urinary cortisol levels.  (1 needle, 6 vials of blood & a whopping big container of urine!!).

[Liz94]

How was it determined that you have a copper/zinc imbalance, did you have a blood test that showed it?  I'm going in for more bloodwork in a few weeks and I think I'm going to tell the man to go ahead and take a couple gallons and just test me for everything under the sun!  

I've recently started retaining water pretty badly and I have no idea what that is about. Yesterday morning I weighed myself naked before I ate and then I weighed again last night after eating all day long and with clothes on. I weighed the exact same.  I wake up every morning looking like a blowfish and my fingers and feet burn. What the heck?

[RavingMad]

Yep, so glad I've found this Dr - it only took me 2 years, 2 GPs, an endo, a gynae/obs & a very rude/expensive alternative/complimentary GP who lived 100kms away!

Just done a big google search - copper & zinc imbalances affect everything - any wonder I feel like ****! My Dr says that until we get the balance right, natural or synthetic thyroid meds won't work to their full potential! Aha!

About to google 'eostrogen dominance'. Hooray for the internet & good Drs!!!

[stella5349]

RAving

Odd you bring that up - I am happy you found zinc and copper in your conversation with your doctor and that supports why me taking zinc made it somewhat better.

but another suprise you mention is the estrogen dominance thing. I recently had been given that ( last month) too. I now take progestrone to balance that out - but oddly the "lump" on my gum I found last week just popped up

now mysterily - it's gone. No need to go to the dentist as I planned...... what is he going to see now that is vanished?

Some things I just don't get.

[RavingMad]

Hmmmm, very interesting!

I had good teeth (apart from a few crooked ones & wearing a retainer when I was younger) up until I had my TT (before that I was undiagnosed hyper for a while). Now I'm hypo. The last 18 months I've had an awful taste in my mouth, bleeding gums, receeding gums & 3 fillings, with another one due soon.

I've googled thyroid disorders & gum disease - there seems to be a link, though my dentist was undecided.

I changed thyroid Drs last week, he suspects longstanding zinc & copper imbalances (as well as estrogen dominance & gluten intolerance) - had bloods done this morning - maybe this is all linked with my dental problems. Time will tell  : )

Rachel

[Liz94]

I use Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste twice a day and it seems to help a little.  At least for a few hours after I use it. For the dry mouth anyway. Then after lunch I brush with Colgate Sensitive because of the receding gums and sesitivity.  My burning tongue comes and goes. I had actually thought it was the result of acid reflux but now, I don't think so.  I'm on meds for that and the burning tongue is still coming off and on so I'm just planning on blaming it on the RAI!

[stella5349]

That was me Liz.

I have the ongoing pain in jaw - and receding gums. I too had RAI 6 yrs ago so - I guess I fit your dentists profile.

yeah for me.

It a mystery for me on these dental issues. My jaws always seem to feel funny.

and I can pop up with lumps in my gums at no given time. - The they disappear.

Wierd.

Laram -

I had the burning tongue for two years - and I mean BURNING!!! - I had every DX in the world with it. Acid reflex - thrush - the list is endless.

I noticed when I started taking zinc on a regular basis - it went away.

I still have a funny taste in my mouth - but thank God the burning is gone.

[laram]

Thanks for your advice.  I will look for a better dentist than the one I have.  The one I have does not seem to know much about thyroid issues.  You mentioned a few things that are similar to my problem.  Especially the receding gums.  What special toothpaste and mouthwash do you use?  I think I need to try something better.

[Liz94]

I had  RAI a year ago and I've had dental issues since the beginning. I haven't had what you are describing though.  Since day one after the RAI I've had serious dry mouth that comes and goes. My tongue burns most of the time. And, I'm 42 and never had a cavity but now I've got the beginnings of decay between most of my back teeth even though I floss three times a day, brush with special toothpaste and I use special mouthwash. I've also had to have sealants put around my gums because my gums started receding pretty quickly. My dentist told me that it is very common for people that have had RAI to experience dental issues 5-6 years down the road but he's surprised that I'm having them so early.  I do remember seeing something written by someone on the forum awhile back though that had the same things you are describing so I don't think you are alone. I would definitely see a dentist on a frequent basis if I were you and especially if you can find one with some knowledge of thyroid cancer and RAI.