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On Saturday I finished 5 days worth of antibiotics and then next day I was getting bad toothache. I haven't had this as bad of toothache before if ever. Can these issues be related to fibromyalgia and how do u manage it. I have finally got registered with a dentist and have a check up in 4 weeks and then hopefully have a couple of teeth taken out.
Answer Summary
Members connected over the challenges of managing dental issues alongside fibromyalgia, with many sharing how jaw pain (TMJ), burning mouth... Read more
As others have said, jaw pain is common in people who have fibromyalgia. I think also that fatigue and pain and sensory issues impact dental self-care. For example, it can be hard to stand, hard to hold a toothbrush, and sensory difficulties with flossing and the taste/feel of toothpaste.
🐸There are so many "hacks" that we can utilize to make dental care more accessible for us!
Some accommodations include:
🪑A chair or stool to sit on.
🚰Using warm water rather than cold.
🧒🏼Using flavor free toothpaste or kids' flavors as al alternative to mint.
👶Holding your toothbrush in your fist. My occupational therapist calls that "baby hands". This puts less pressure on certain joints in your hands.
Wrapping some foam tubing and tape around your toothbrush where you hold it. The more it's built up, the less stress it puts on your hand while holding it.
Finding floss that is the most comfortable for your hands and mouth; your dentist can give you samples hopefully.
👜Keep a little kit in areas where you tend to rest during flare ups. Don't let perfection be the enemy of good: keep some dental care supplies at hand: water to rinse your mouth, disposable little toothbrushes/an alternative that works for you, floss, mouthwash. Xylitol gum can be helpful BUT it's absolutely toxic for dogs so if you have dogs or have dog friends who visit, keep that ingredient out of your home (maybe extreme but why risk it).
🦷Finally, access to health care can be difficult for many people in many places. Dental care is somehow relegated to being outside regular health care so that makes it even more challenging. However, we now know so much about how dental health is connected to our entire well being, so making whatever strides we can take toward taking care of our mouths is important. Finding a dentist who is caring, who supports your self advocacy, and who is gentle and takes her time = such a blessing.
I second the not having xylitol if you have dogs. There was a story a while back of a dog who died because he ate a pack of gum including the packaging
I just asked Google and it said that bacteria from the infected gums can enter the bloodstream and can cause inflammation which can lead to heart issues. Sorry I didn't want to worry you about another problem it's just that I'm concerned about this now because of my cousin. My great-grandfather died from a tooth infection. The teeth are very important and dentists are aware of these problems. This is on my mind. Didn't want to worry you about it it's on my mind.
@A MyFibroTeam Member I definitely wouldn't get that as wouldn't want Bobby to get hold of it. Love him to pieces.
@A MyFibroTeam Member thank you. I haven't tried using hot water when brushing my teeth. I will get some kids toothpaste tomorrow and foam to wrap around my toothbrush. I have just registered with a dentist so hopefully they will be gentle
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