Dry mouth, hearburn and vit D with PMR

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Learned 3 new things today...

Went to dentist to have bi-annual teeth cleaning and usually I'm am complimented on how good my teeth look.  This time she said I had a lot of plaque! Asked if I have dry mouth?  I didn't think so, but I told her my nose is always dry now thanks to Prednisone.  She said many medications cause dry mouth and said I better brush my teeth 3 times a day, drink lots of water!!  I could easily get decay, infections, and more.  WOW!!!  Thanks Prednisone!

#2 lesson

Apple Cider Vinegar for the heartburn/acid reflux Prednisone gives us.  Recommended was 1-2 tsp in atleast 12 oz water and drink with a straw because it can destroy your tooth enamel.  But had many people say it helped.  I am trying it.  I do feel some relief so far.  Also mentioned the honey that someone mentioned here.

#3 lesson

Vitamin D reduces natural production of melatonin and interferes with sleep?????  oh brother... I have Rheumy appt next week, my Vit D is now way above higest level when tested, so I'm going to see if I should cut it back. Taking 5000 IU.  I'm sleeping pretty good now days for most part. 

Anyone have experience with these new things I learned today? Thanks.

2

Many many years ago when taking calcium was a new fad, my doctor advised

me that we get all we need in our diet, in the US we get fresh fruits and vegies

year round.  Why we are so susceptible to taking drugs I cannot imagine, I had

a friend who was always complaining about heartburn, I suggested she stop

eating the things which were creating this situation - mostly fats , we need fat

in our bodies but excessive amounts of nuts, chocs and fatty meats can cause

heartburn.  If there is an underlying physiological problem then that's a totally

different issue.  I suggest not taking drugs which you then have to counteract by

taking other drugs.  Prednisone is the only thing I know of that takes care

of PMR, slowly reducing dosage over much time sensibly is the best thing

you can do, as well as resting, gentle exercise and avoiding stress.  We are

all capable of helping ourselves naturally without drugs.    Here I go again,

I sound like a broken record!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

3

I found apple cider too harsh.

Try this one instead, Mrs O remedy.

Take on lemon, put in mocrowve for 1 minute - squeeze all the jiuce out - divide by three and take in water before meals.  It worked and no problem with teeth.

In the case of too much Vit D, I would use the search on this page and type in Too much Vit D or Vitamin D toxcity. NHS and Myoa clinic also have good articles.   Mind too much Vit D is rare.

4

Layne,

As you know most people have too little Vitamin D in their system. I had no idea that too much would cause a sleep problem. Have you looked into what causes a person to have a high level of D? I'm one of those people who have a better than average level of D but I don't have sleep problems (though the PMR uncontrolled has had me wandering to the bathroom several times a night). Body chemistry is quite an interesting system!

5

because of all these meds, I see my dentist 3x a year for a cleaning. I also brush  with a sonicare toothbrush and do it 2x a day for 5 minutes. I know, seems excessive, but hey, it keeps the ugliness away. bring a book in, sit down and just brush. Also floss and use a flouride rinse. 

Dry mouth isn't anything to mess with- it can devastate teeth in just a few months. I know because it killed mine when i started a new med several years ago (topamax). since then I've been quite careful about new meds and what they'll do to my teeth. The 3x a year visit is new for me, but with prednisone I want to be extra careful. it's not forever, just to see now my mouth deals with the new meds (I just started taking it this december 2014). I've had two dental visits and with my routine things seem great. we'll decide this next visit if I need to keep getting cleanings 3x a year. I may do so until I get this pred thing stabilized. much cheaper than the alternative...

6

Wow! Lisa good to know! I just looked at sonicare brushes, but not sure I wanted to spend the money right now... But I'm sure I will get one after sticker shock sets in.  like your book idea! Hee Hee, if find it works in bathrooms (just for relaxation, mind off business, ha,,ha) and on stationary bike! Now I'll consider at tooth brushing time..