Fibromyalgia: ...And Teeth?
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
Q: Hi Susie. Have you heard anything on Fibromyalgia and how it affects the teeth? I have had Fibromyalgia my whole life, but it really showed its face after a work injury, and since then my teeth have been terrible, they had me on all kinds of weird drugs. My dentist says Fibromyalgia has nothing to do with my teeth. I have heard metals in my teeth might have been a factor and had all the metal removed from my mouth and then this guy puts metal back in my mouth without my permission. Any ideas? This is so stressful!
Hmmm..Interesting question...
- My first thought was exactly what you later mentioned: metals or the drugs you mentioned themselves perhaps.
- Next I thought of TMJ aka:Bruxism, (grinding and clenching often associated with FMS) that can wear down enamel substantially.
-Then I thought of Sjogren's Syndrome, (http://www.sjogrens.org ) an autoimmune disorder which can accompany FMS and often is known as, "Dry Eye/Dry Mouth" disease. Because of reduced salivation, sometimes people have more cavities.
- One other thought: It has been said that some people with FMS would do well to limit intake of sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Curiously, some habitually overuse those, perhaps in a misguided attempt at "self-medicating" the discomfort and associated blues. If so, sugar could be a culprit.
SO... you piqued my curiosity and I did a little www search, which was interesting.
As you know, FMS is a widely misunderstood phenomenon. It is important to note that I am not a medical professional and you would best be served by someone who is, specializing in FMS/CFIDS. But I know quite a bit about FMS and personally, it appears to me to be a syndrome of symptoms that occurs in different people to different degrees... and for different reasons. Many believe it is an autoimmune response causing widely varying degrees of myofascial pain in at least 11 of the 18 identified Tender Points, episodic or constant, but there can be (but need not be) a sleep-disorder component, digestive and sinus problems, multiple chemical and environmental sensitivities, thyroid, vulvular pain, IBS, restless legs,memory "fibro-fog," and CFIDS accompanying sometimes, but not always. (I think you've probably read my other tips on FMS when you wrote your question and probably know a lot about it already , since you thought of the metal poisoning possibility. In fact FMS and CFIDS are often listed among primary symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome. Curious disorder!
I did a www search of: "fibromyalgia + teeth" and suggest that this might lead you some interesting places. A bunch of sites came up and while some may not be credible resources, I cannot vouch for them, and you need to "consider the sources," the fact that 13,500 listings came up tells me there is something there. Most deal with the TMJ aspect but since some people find relief from FMS symptoms using vitamins, minerals and herbs, one might wonder if some kind of deficiency could cause tarter build-up or something like that. I wish I could be more specific--but I am not a medical professional and that's really what you need, but I will tell you that it is worth exploring with a knowledgeable, well-grounded medical professional who is also open-minded and well-informed regarding possibilities that may seem a little off-the-beaten-path.
Large, metropolitan teaching hospitals who have rheumatology departments researching in FMS might be helpful. In addition to general searches, you might try these too:
http://www.fmnetnews.com
http://www.arthritis.org
http://www.intelihealth.com
Thanks for the inquiry. It was interesting to explore a bit, and I wish you the very best! Please let me know if you learn something that helps you. I hope so!
Best wishes,
Susie
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com