Getting Dental Work with Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis is important. It is not easy to keep smiling with Liver Disease. When dealing with hep c, or liver cirrhosis, it’s easy to lose your smile. In addition, cirrhosis, and hep c, is hard on your teeth and gums. It is so important to smile. You can do it in spite of your physical health and less than beautiful teeth. Two of my favorite smiles are the Mona Lisa smile (she doesn’t even show her teeth), and Mother Teresa’s open hearted smile.
Getting Dental Work – Hep C or Cirrhosis
Stigma – Telling your dentist about Hepatitis C may be hard. Some say that their dentist treated them like they had the plague. Find another dentist! If your dentist is sterilizing equipment properly and using mask, goggles, and gloves there is no need for them to treat you with any disrespect.
Shame – If your teeth have a lot of decay, it can create a lack of confidence. A caring dentist can help a lot. Get your teeth cleaned and X-rays. Set up a plan that you can afford, starting with the tooth that needs the most work. Do not let it get you down. Within weeks, you can be wearing a bright healthy smile!
Lots of cavities – I lost a few teeth prior to treatment and it requred a bridge and a root canal. They can be costly, but if the teeth can be saved and you have that option, it is a good one. It may involve a root canal to get rid of any painful nerves that are affected.
Dentures – Another option that can work is to get dentures. The new materials and technology today are nothing like they used to be. Modern dental technologists make dentures that can give you a winning smile! You may have some down time while your gums are healing. That means eating soft food for a while, but the end result is beautiful. I took care of a friend who got full mouth dentures. She hid out at my place because she knew I would be her best friend while she drooled and spit blood. Within a few weeks, she had her dentures and a smile that I even envy!
Getting Dental Work with Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis may be the last thing on your mind. Our teeth and gums can get in horrible shape if we do not get it done. While treating for HCV, you may have mouth sores that make brushing painful. Mouth sores may make it hard to brush. Here are tips on how to endure – and smile – while sick with liver cirrhosis or Hepatitis C Virus. If your decay is extensive, they may suggest some options for you.
My Dentists Best Tips with Cirhossis
1. Use a soft child’s toothbrush or a Waterpic if you have one. Soft dental tape is gentler than waxed floss. This is especially true if you have bleeding gums. Brush after every meal to keep your gums strong and guard against bacteria.
2. Use a gentle or sensitive tooth paste and mouthwash. I used Biotene products for dry mouth. Tom’s also makes great natural products. If you are on a low sodium diet, do not use baking soda! It contains a lot of salt. You may want to use mouthwash several times daily also. I know that flouride gets a bad rap, but it can help protect your teeth. Swish it around and spit it out. Following up by rinsing with water can help too! You can find lots of brands that carry an alcohol free mouthwash now too!
3. Get a cleaning before and after treatment. Some dentists will not clean during treatment due to bleeding and platelet problems. I did not get mine cleaned during treatment. Be sure and talk to your doctor and dentis about it. I have heard of doctors who will not start Hepatitis treatment until all dental work is done.
4. Eat well. Malnourishment can cause gums to be in bad shape. Eat a variety of healthy foods and take whatever vitamins and supplements that your doctor will allow. Try and reduce the amount of sugary foods that you eat. Don’t forget that many of our drinks contain a lot of sugar too!
5. Don’t be afraid of having excessive dental work before or after treatment. I know it’s a tough price to pay for attempting to get rid of the Hepatitis C Virus. Treatment in general attacks your whole body and your mouth is not excluded. If you cannot afford it, ask for a payment plan or go to a local health clinic. Do not live with a painful swollen toothache. Don’t let sadness keep you from smiling either.
Don’t put off Getting Dental Work with Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis. Flash that big beautiful smile on everyone you see! xoxp Karen:)
10 thoughts on “Getting Dental Work with Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis”
Karen,
I live in Ireland,and when I tell them I have Hep-c,they dont say anything and carry on as normal.I am sure they are well protected with each patient,Latex gloves etc.Never had a problem with this.
Ian x
Cool deal. The dentist here in Oklahoma is getting ready to lose his right to work on patients. He did not use safety precautions. I’m happy to hear that they have strict guidelines in Ireland. But all the guidelines in the world don’t help if they aren’t followed. It sounds like the dentists there are cautious and takey every protection for the patient!
Love to ya,
K
This is such a great article! Getting dental care when you have Hep-C should be a non-issue. Hep-C patients need adequate dental care more than most, so there’s no reason why they shouldn’t get it. Any dentist who gives patients grief over having Hep-C should not even be allowed to practice.
I’m glad to hear you say that. Many have had good experiences, including myself. I hate to think of someone putting off dental work because they could not afford it, or they did not feel comfortable.
Thanks for stopping by,
Karen:)
Hi Karen,
I read your posts and have Hep C. and I really don’t smile because my teeth are bad shape because I don’t see the dentist regularly. With that said every year I try to go to the dentist but I get a sudden anxiety because after deep cleaning I end up bleeding a lot. My platelets are always low, therefore my gums will bleed for hours non stop. One year after deep cleaning I ended in the emergency room another year in urgent care. What to do any ideas.
Hi I am really sorry to hear about your predicament. I met someone who has to go in to the hospital to have their teeth cleaned for that very reason. She is on blood thinner and can’t go to a regular dentist. Have you thought about going to a dentistry school? I have heard they are very good and much cheaper. They could advise you what hospital might be able to help you. I understand about the teeth. I am horribly embarrassed to get my teeth cleaned as I am missing two. Despite me going to the dentist every six months, brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, most of my teeth are now crowned. I do understand your problem. I would google Dentistry in a hospital setting in your area to see if you can find something on your own. Take Care, Dee
Hi I just did a google search “dentistry in a hospital setting” I came up with many hospitals that have dentistry for special needs. I hope you can search for your area and get some help, Dee
Dee Ernst recently posted…When You Don’t Look Sick with Hepatitis C: how to
I couldn’t agree more. Care should start at home by just brushing the number of times required can keep us from paying more in dental care. More importantly, one should stay away from caffeine and cigarettes to keep that color natural. However, there are I think instances that are beyond our control.
It was good to read your post.I have hep c and as we speak I am free of the virus. After taking the drug harvona for 36 weeks my teeth started decaying.My caps on some teeth just feel out.I could go on and on but you get the picture.I just could not understand why this was happening to me .Now I am searching for patients who have the same problem. I will go to the dentist in 2 weeks to finish my dental work I hope.If someone has had the problem I would appreciate if you would share your experience. God Bless every one who struggles!
We need blessings! Thank you! Especially with teeth problems. I just had a new bridge made and then ended up with a cap on the other side. This is not only painful, it’s expensive.
I’ve been looking at eating more alkaline foods to try and help reduce the acid balance in my body. I’m also not eating lemon anymore due to the acid. This is what my dentist advised anyway.
Your dentist can make a plan for you to do some work over time I hope. Ask about fluoride. I know some people don’t like to use it. I’ve been using a fluoride mouthwash since all the dental worked started up. Keep me posted on your success!
xo Karen
Comments are closed.