Re: Teeth - how are yours?Sorry long reply
From: Kallie (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 28 Feb 2001 13:24:40 -0600 (CST)
I totally know what you mean about dry mouth - since I was in my late
teens you almost will NEVER see me without a drink in my hand/on my
desk/coffee table/bedside/car - only problem is that I’m usually
drinking diet soda. The only things I drink for the most part are diet
sodas and water – and while I do get a fair amount of water in daily – I
easily drink obscene amounts of both water and soda daily. It is really
not unusual for me to have a 12 oz diet on the way to work. But 3 20 oz
through the day and drink at least 4 more 12 oz at night. Added to that
are 3 or 4 glasses of water a day too. I mean we’re talking a lot of
ounces. The reason I drink the pop more is the immediate thirst
gratification, the bubbles seem to help quench better than water.
Although I know that the diet soda actually causes more thirst and is
therefore a vicious cycle so I am trying to add more and more water and
reduce the diet soda.
I had to laugh because I have a travel tooth brush and paste in my top
drawer at work. My dentist told me he couldn’t fill my on tooth because
it was too far gone – that is the one he wants to do the bridge for. All
told – 2 bridges at $1600 each (with insurance) and 4 caps (crowns?) at
$600 each with insurance.
Frankly I don’t know ho normal people can afford that. It had been 14
months since he told me that so the situation has only declined and
really it seems hopeless.
I really appreciate your long reply
At Wed, 28 Feb 2001, Dona wrote:
>
>Hi Kallie,
>I am a Registered Dental Assistant and I think I might be able to give
>you some insight as to why. First of all people who are insullin
>resistant or diabetic tend to have very dry mouths.Also if you are
>taking Met or any insulin sensitizing agent..these drugs tend to cause
>dry mouths as well...having a dry mouth can cause an increase in
>cavities and gum disease. Saliva is a natural cleansing mechanism that
>helps wash away plaque (bacteria)...without the normal amount of saliva
>people will get more cavities and worse yet ...gum disease. Talk to
>your DDS about your PCOS and possibuility of dry mouth from it.The only
>thing that can really help with this is Drink PLENTY of WATER! and Brush
>3 times a day (carry a travel tooth brush in your purse) and Floss every
>Night!! I know you are probably very good about this...but it's the only
>why to slow down the disease process. Plaque and it's bacteria are
>causing your problems and its probably from not enough saliva.I know
>what you mean about Dental insuances...they really suck!! and the dental
>insuances were you dont have a co pay are very limitted to what you can
>have done and end up paying for bridge work out of pocket so 20% co-pay
>insnt so bad considering what it would cost without any coverage at
>all.!!
>As far as teeth looking like they decay from inside out..that is because
>when decay first enters the tooth it is through a little pin point spot
>on the hard enamel usually from the side or top of the tooth...then when
>it gets to the softer dentin area it spreads faster and bigger...it kind
>of looks like a triangle on an x ray with the smaller area of the decay
>being on the outter enamel area and larger in the inside dentin.As far
>as your DDS not wanting to fill your teeth or get you out of pain..I
>would get a second opinion!!!! not everone can afford fancy bridge
>work!!!Have you thought about just getting fillings or single crowns and
>removable partial dentures..there not soo bad??and they cost quite a bit
>less.
>I too have alot of fillings in my mouth and struggling with perio
>disease...and I feel it is from taking Actos and having high
>insulin...my mouth is very dry all the time and I get very
>thirsty....but please dont give up hope and keep up with good Oral
>hygiene...and drink Lots and lots of water!!! Hope I was of some
>help...your DDS can help you more if you talk to him about dental
>disease and insulin.
>*HUGS* Dona RDA
>>At Wed, 28 Feb 2001, Kallie wrote:
>
>>I'm just gettinI'm just getting to wondering if anyone else has problems
>>with their teeth? I’m wondering if all the extra insulin can have an
>>adverse effect on teeth. I’ve had so many problems it is just crazy.
>>Most of my teeth are filled in fact. I remember a dentist in my early
>>20’s telling me that my teeth were going bad form the “inside out.” When
>>I questioned why I kept getting cavities (and root canal) despite
>>diligent brushing and flossing.
>>
>>- No nearly all of my larger teeth are killing me but I can’t even get
>>my doctor to fill them or work on them because he says I need bridges
>>and caps yadda yadda yadda. Like $6,000 worth of dental work and that
>>is with my insurance that is supposed to cover 60 – 80%. I’ll never
>>understand how I could have had a baby for a $10 co-pay, but I can’t get
>>my teeth fixed.
>>g to wondering if anyone else has problems
>>
>>--
>>Kallie
>>
--
Kallie
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