Ironically enough, I just moved and finally was able to see my new dentist on Wednesday. Apparently my teeth are in bad shape and he prescribed me the high fluoride toothpaste (which I am just about to head out to go fill). Last year I went to the dentist after going 4 years without any check-ups. During those 4 years, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, so I probably should have been going to the dentist after that, even though I was very diligent about brushing and flossing daily.
Well, last year when I finally went to the dentist, he found 4 cavities and 2 of them I ended up having to get root canals and crowns put on because I had a lot of sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures afterward plus couldn't even chew on one of the teeth that was worked on.
This past Wednesday, new dentist pointed out at least 4 different places where 2 teeth meet that are close to being called cavities, but he said for now he would keep an eye on them but wanted me on the Rx toothpaste (Prevident 5000, in case anyone is curious). I think I also have a problem with bruxism and the hygenist told me that there are many areas in my teeth where I've actually grinded through to the 2nd layer of enamel! I wonder if it's as bad as it is because of malabsorption rather than the extent of the bruxism, though when I asked my dentist if he thought my weak enamel problems and tooth decay could be attributed to malabsorption due to my Crohn's (especially being located in the terminal ileum, which is where lots of important vitamins are absorbed), he didn't seem to think so. Based on his response, I sort of get the impression he doesn't know much about the disease. I feel I've read enough on here and researched things to know that those things are most definitely linked.
Anyway...not happy about the high fluoride toothpaste as I have been trying to limit the amount of chemicals I put in my body, but I am at least willing to try it for the next 6 months until my next check-up and hopefully it will remineralize my enamel enough so I won't have to get more cavities filled. I've read some claims about natural ways to remineralize teeth with homemade concoctions of coconut oil, betonite clay, calcium, but I'll have to keep researching and would most likely try that after the dentist gives my teeth a good bill of health.
For what it's worth...I have a couple friends with Crohn's who used the high fluoride toothpaste with much success, so that is encouraging!
Though i can't decide if I want to at least wait until my next dental check up (in June) to see if the high fluoride toothpaste improved anything before making the switch. That, and I want to have some sort of baseline so I know if things improve whether it was related to the fluoride or theobromine toothpaste. If anyone decides to try it out let us know what you think! I'm very interested to know.
