I take prednisone everyday plus 8 other meds I take care of my teeth yet they are rotting any serious help?

I have Sarcoidosis which causes a person to have to take steroid drugs for very long periods of time. I have noticed that my teeth are rotting and breaking I can't quit taking the meds but I was hoping I could do something to try and help them other than brushing and flossing. I don't have insurance so going to a dentist is not an answer at this time.

I take prednisone everyday plus 8 other meds I take care of my teeth yet they are rotting any serious help?
One side-effect of almost all medications is dry mouth or xerostomia. Lack of saliva can cause decay so be sure to drink lots of water, use Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash - chew sugar free gum containing xylitol (biotene, spry, ice breakers, some trident gums). Avoid drinking soda/pop or lots of juice - especially don't sip these constantly during the day as the acid will further damage your teeth.





Chewing gum will stimulate saliva, saliva bathes the teeth and washes away debris - xylitol inhibits the adhesion of strep mutans (cavity causing bacteria) to the teeth.





Use a power toothbrush, slow down your brushing and concentrate on each individual tooth ensuring that you feel the bristles tickling on the gum below the teeth on both the cheek and tongue sides of your teeth, also lighten up the pressure hold your brush in your finger tips - pressing on the teeth stops the power brushes from working efficiently.





Floss after brushing and spitting but before rinsing - this way some of the toothpaste slurry will be passed between the teeth and may help remineralize weakened enamel.
Reply:It would seem that the large amount of drugs that you take might be causing your problems. Taking steroids does have serious side effects. Have you discussed it with your doctor? I'd would suggest a good quality soy protein shake, multivitamin (nonsynthetic), and calcium supplement to provide some basic nutritional support.
Reply:Many Medications can cause the salivary flow in your mouth to decrease causing dry mouth. If this is the case you will have a hard time keeping the teeth and gums clean and healthy because there is no saliva to wash the teeth. Make sure if this is the case you are not using mints or lozenges with sugar to counter act the dryness. You can try using a Fluoride rinse and there are some products that help with dry mouth (Biotene).



scooter parts