It is wise to consider the effects that Parkinson's will have on the care one takes of one's teeth. Here are several things which are worthy of thought in this regard:
- Dental procedures may often involve medicines that are not consistent with your
Parkinson's medications or with the disease. Be certain that your dentist knows that you
have Parkinson's, that (s)he has looked at the list of medications that you take, and that
(s)he has checked out the products that (s)he will use with your list. It is comforting
to hear your dentist say that (s)he has checked this out before (s)he starts any procedures on you.
- Brushing one's teeth can be difficult for a person with Parkinson's, and it is especially difficult to do with a regular tooth brush. Some type of electric tooth brush will help - ask your dentist what (s)he recommends.
- Xerostomia (dry mouth) may be more likely to occur because of your medications. You
may consider speaking with your dentist about the effect that this may have on your teeth
and how it may be minimized.
- Because of the difficulty that people with Parkinson's frequently have in cleaning their
teeth and because of xerostomia, fluoride is often especially recommended. Fluoride
incorporates into the enamel of the teeth and makes them more resistant to decay. High-fluoride
toothpastes containing 1.1% fluoride (instead of 0.76%) are available by prescription. A
fluoride mouthwash may also prove useful. You should neither eat nor
drink immediately after you use it so that it may have the maximum effect.
- Some people are of the belief that the mercury in amalgam fillings leeches out and is a contributing cause of Parkinson's disease, and that such fillings should be removed. Others will have you believe that when the amalgam was removed from their teeth, their Parkinson symptoms worsened. The majority view seems to be that amalgam fillings are safe. We recommend that you judge for yourself.
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