The Dental Domino Effect

As with any serious on-going illness, there is a domino effect as symptoms of the disease itself and side effects of medications alter the fine delicate balance of nature and our bodies begin to suffer further complications. One such effect, is dental health, and it appears there is now data to substantiate evidence of impact both from Parkinson's and Gaucher disease. Is it any wonder I've had so much dental work done over the years? I don't seem to do anything by halves!

Saliva is nature's way of protecting the teeth and gums, containing antibodies that fight infection. Many Parkinon's medications cause one to have a dry mouth, subsequently lack of saliva, can increase the chance of tooth decay and gum disease, also often causing bad breath. There are products available to help alleviate a dry mouth. A change in diet may also help. Consult with your dentist to ensure you have no problems brewing that if left undetected could escalate into major dental work. Pay attention to any changes and look after your teeth.

Gaucher disease also poses some strange anomalies that often a dentist may be unfamiliar with. If you have Gaucher disease, make sure to inform your dentist so that he can read up and become informed about the effects Gaucher disease has on dental health.

The same can be said for many medical problems, that are compounded by the effects of medications for an on-going long term disease.  You have to be your own advocate and as I recently said to someone; the best advice I can give is: listen to your body and that inner voice which often intuitively tells us when something is wrong. Pay attention, for your instincts will guide you well.

"If only we could make time stand still" a friend said in an e-mail recently, who also suffers from Parkinson's (and often my muse), prompted this week's new article for The Huffington Post.