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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Lithium Cause Tooth Loss?

I had been taking Lithium for depression for a number of years, and am now losing all my teeth, one by one. There is no decay,and I see a dentist regularly. I was told that the cause of this is the Lithium. It causes dry mouth, which I had, and have, and that this can cause tooth loss. Have you come across any cases such as this?
Thu, 26 Apr 2018
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

As per your query you have tooth loss which is due to medication-related dry mouth i.e Xerostomia as in this case natural moist layer is removed which causes tooth demineralization.

You should chew sugar-free gum. Consult your doctor, so that he/she can take a complete history and check other symptoms to find what exactly causing dry mouth. The doctor may prescribe an alternative medication course. Need not to worry. Apply numbing gel on the tongue and you can use lignocaine patches if the pain is there. You should take plenty of fluids and avoid fried food. You should use saliva substitute as it will enhance secretions of saliva and try to breathe from the nose instead of the mouth.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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Does Lithium Cause Tooth Loss?

Hello, As per your query you have tooth loss which is due to medication-related dry mouth i.e Xerostomia as in this case natural moist layer is removed which causes tooth demineralization. You should chew sugar-free gum. Consult your doctor, so that he/she can take a complete history and check other symptoms to find what exactly causing dry mouth. The doctor may prescribe an alternative medication course. Need not to worry. Apply numbing gel on the tongue and you can use lignocaine patches if the pain is there. You should take plenty of fluids and avoid fried food. You should use saliva substitute as it will enhance secretions of saliva and try to breathe from the nose instead of the mouth. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Harry Maheshwari