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Can Hyperthyroidism affect my teeth?

By Anonymous May 13, 2010 - 7:58am
 
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Within the last three years my thyroid became very active. I was told I had hyper when I was 12 and now I am going to be 25. But just in last three years I have noticed that my teeth have become really bad. Decaying of my molars, sensitive to hot and cold, and jaw pain. My wisdom teeth are growing in but my dentist tells me that my wisdom teeth will not affect any other tooth unless it scraps the others. My gums were also tender and swollen for about a week. I was wondering if having a really over active thyroid would cause these problems. I should also tell you that my doctor is very worried that I could have a heart attack at any moment. I shake all day even with my meds, Propyl-thyracil. I am dizzy, can not sleep, always hungry, losing weight fast, some days my eyes are sore, and can have blurred vision. I hope you can tell me if hyperthyroidism can cause tooth decay? I am concerned I brush three times a day now and my teeth are still getting worse.

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It appears that your dentist is not in-tune with your medical conditions. I would seek advice from your medical specialist who may be able to refer you to a Dental treater who has experience with your long term health issues.

March 7, 2011 - 3:56am

Anon,

Yes, there is absolutely a link between hyperthyroidism and dental health. In fact, there is such a strong link between thyroid problems and dental problems that dentists are taught to look for signs of thyroid impairment when they are doing regular dental exams -- they can sometimes be the front line of defense in an undiagnosed thyroid patient. And they sometimes must react with modifications to dental care -- for instance, the use of anesthesia -- when a thyroid patient is in an acute period.

Here's one article about this; scroll down to where the subhead says "Thyroid Oral Implications:"

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Thyroid+disease+and+oral+health-a0194963392

I assume your dentist knows you are hyperthyroid? Have you talked to him specifically about your teeth and the changes you have seen in the last three years? Do you feel like he is knowledgeable enough in this area? If not, I wonder if your endocrinologist could refer you to a dentist who is well-versed in thyroid issues?

I am really sorry to hear that even your doctor fears that you could have a heart attack at any time. Have you two discussed the removal of the thyroid gland altogether, even though it would mean a lifetime of meds?

May 14, 2010 - 9:03am
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