Lyme Disease Teeth: What to Know

by Dr. Kilcup | Mar 13, 2024 | Articles, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Lyme Disease Teeth

Lyme disease teeth is caused a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. It can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and joint pain. However, many people are not aware that Lyme disease can also have an impact on dental health. In this article, we will explore the connection between Lyme disease and dental health. If you are wondering do your teeth fall out from lyme disease this is the right place for you.

LYME DISEASE TEETH

If not treated promptly, Lyme disease can lead to poor dental health and tooth loss. Some potential oral health issues associated with advanced Lyme disease or its complications may include:

  1. Medication-Induced Dry Mouth: Medications used for Lyme disease treatment may cause dry mouth. This can contribute to dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
  2. Increased Risk of Oral Thrush: Weakened immune function due to Lyme disease or its treatment may cause oral thrush. This is characterized by white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and throat.
  3. Potential Jaw Pain: Lyme disease-induced joint pain and inflammation may affect the jaw joint (TMJ). This can lead to jaw pain and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

Lyme Disease and Teeth Falling Out

Lyme disease can cause gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Some antibiotics for Lyme disease can cause tooth staining and weaken enamel. This can increase the risk of decay and tooth loss.

LYME DISEASE TREATMENT

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Functional Medicine, a holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizes addressing the root causes of diseases and promoting overall well-being. Here’s a brief overview of how Functional Medicine can benefit individuals:

  1. Comprehensive testing: Finding the root problems is possible because advanced testing exists. Often patients who are not able to recover from Lyme have other problems hurting their immune system.
  2. Personalized Treatment: Functional Medicine focuses on individualized care, considering each person’s unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
  3. Nutritional Support: Using nutrition as a therapeutic tool is a cornerstone practice with functional medicine. Every patient receives tailored dietary recommendations to support the body’s specific needs and promote healing.
  4. Lifestyle Changes: Functional Medicine practitioners emphasize lifestyle changes, including stress management, exercise, and better sleep, to enhance overall health.
  5. Combining Therapies: Functional Medicine often incorporates complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, to support the body’s natural healing processes.
  6. Preventive Care: Beyond symptom management, Functional Medicine emphasizes preventive care, empowering individuals to make long-term health-promoting choices.

Please read this article for a more comprehensive information on treating Lyme disease with functional medicine.

A Functional Medicine doctor can create a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs. Functional Medicine can complement conventional treatments and contribute to a more holistic approach to health.

hyperbaric chamber

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help treat Lyme disease by using high levels of oxygen. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease cannot survive in oxygen-rich environments. Even if Lyme has become resistant to antibiotics, it cannot survive in the presence of high levels of oxygen. So, using HBOT and oxygen can be a helpful treatment for Lyme disease.

Lyme bacteria thrive in environments that do not have oxygen, and cannot survive in oxygen rich environments.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can be beneficial for individuals experiencing complications or secondary effects of Lyme disease. This therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Here’s a brief summary of how HBOT can help:

  1. Reduced Inflammation: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces inflammation. This is very beneficial for individuals with Lyme disease.
  2. Enhanced Immune Response: Lyme disease can weaken the immune system. HBOT stimulates the immune response. This helps the body in fighting off infections and reducing the risk of complications, including oral thrush.
  3. Faster Healing: Oxygen plays a crucial role in the healing process. HBOT greatly increases the oxygen supply to tissues. This promotes faster healing of wounds, ulcers, or other complications that may impact oral health.
  4. Improved Dental Health: HBOT helps improve oral health by keeping the body healthy and preventing other health problems. HBOT can also help reduce dry mouth associated with some Lyme disease medications. This will lower the risk of dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Case Report

A great example of how HBOT can treat Lyme is this case report from the Journal Science Direct:

A 31-year-old man experienced fever, fatigue, and bone pain in 2003. He later developed red rashes and joint pain. His history suggested exposure to tick-infested areas. Despite antibiotic treatment, he continued to suffer from various symptoms, including nerve, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and other issues.

In 2011, he underwent HBOT, the patient received 30 sessions of HBOT, with each session lasting 1.5 hours. After 10 sessions, the patient stopped having trouble thinking and sleeping. Additionally, after 20 sessions, the patients numbness and twitching went away. After 30 sessions, his joint pain and other muscle symptoms disappeared.

Please read this article for more information on treating Lyme disease with HBOT.

Lyme Disease Teeth Falling Out

In conclusion, Lyme disease can have a significant impact on dental health. With proper care and attention, you can prevent teeth falling out and other dental issues. Maintaining good oral hygiene, seeking professional dental care, and treating Lyme disease will help prevent tooth loss. By taking these steps, you can keep your smile healthy and bright while managing the symptoms of Lyme disease.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of doctor treats Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is typically addressed by healthcare professionals such as primary care physicians, infectious disease specialists, and, if necessary, rheumatologists or neurologists for specific complications. For a comprehensive approach, some individuals explore Functional Medicine practitioners who focus on addressing underlying causes and promoting overall well-being.

Can mosquitoes carry Lyme disease

No, mosquitoes do not transmit Lyme disease. The disease is primarily spread through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, not mosquitoes. Taking preventive measures, like using tick repellent, is essential when in tick-prone areas to reduce the risk of Lyme disease.

What are natural Lyme treatments?

Through Functional Medicine, patients can be treated by taking supplements like probiotics, antioxidants, herbal remedies, and, in some cases, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

Darrell Kilcup, DC, CFMP

Hi there! I’m Dr. Kilcup. You know that health problem you’ve been dealing with – the one that doctors can’t seem to solve, that’s stealing way too much of your time, energy and joy? I can help you get to the bottom that. I am passionate about using the best of science and nutrition to find and fix root causes of health issues. Start your journey towards healing and relief today.

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