thyroid and teeth??

[Guest guest]

Hey gang... anyone know anything about the how the thyroid can affect

your teeth? I am freaking out a little because an xray of my front

tooth showed some possible reabsorption going on which might mean a

root canal, or worse. I have GREAT teeth, never a cavity, so I was

SHOCKED, and distressed... especially since it's my front tooth... and

I have no dental insurance.

They say this happens due to trauma, like a hard bump or blow, of

which I can remember none, but I have had a ton of orthodontia work in

the past. So... I'm probably getting paranoid (easy for me), but I

started reading around the 'net about reabsorption and found this

dentist's reply to a question:

Question:

I recently had a root canal and crown on my canine tooth because of

internal resorption. Now, I have a molar that had a root canal and

crown several years ago that has bone loss occuring. My dentist wants

me to go see a periodontist.

Is this the correct measure I should take? I am a little concerned as

to why my body is rejecting my teeth. Is this normal or is there

something that may be underlying with my teeth/system? I have several

root canals and teeth with large fillings, so I am also concerned that

this may happen to other teeth. Any help in answering these questions

and pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated. ...Teri

Answer:

Internal resorption is usually an immune system response to a tooth

that has suffered trauma (i.e. a direct blow or hit or years of

grinding). It sounds to me like you need a complete evaluation by your

dentist as well as a periodontist. If you are grinding your teeth, you

need immediate help from a TMJ specialist.

Otherwise, I would also advise you to see your physician for a

complete physical, including allergy testing and immune system

evaluation. Make sure your physician evaluates your parathyroid and

thyroid function, as well as your calcium levels. You may want to

consider seeing an immunologist or endocrinologist if your physician

suspects any deeper problems. I doubt these will be necessary, but

better safe than sorry.

Would our immune system cause us to reject TEETH for cripes sake??

What kind of " immune system evaluation " would show this? I'm concerned

because I haven't had orthodontia work for many years but still wear a

retainer occasionally at night because I was told my teeth will move

the rest of my life (I have a messed up bite), so I can't stop the

pressure on my teeth.

Argh..... NOT looking forward to resolving this one...