Lyme disease is an increasingly pressing public health issue, with cases on the rise due to factors like climate change and expanding tick populations. This disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is complex, with a wide range of symptoms that can make diagnosis and treatment challenging.

One area of growing concern is the potential impact of Lyme disease on oral health. Many Lyme patients are questioning if the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria is tied to their ongoing dental problems, including the loss of teeth. Understanding the connection between Lyme disease and dental health is essential as this illness can have far-reaching effects beyond the more commonly known symptoms.

In this article, we will explore how Lyme disease might affect your dental health and if left untreated, may cause your teeth to fall out.

Understanding Lyme disease

Lyme disease is an illness spread by ticks and other vectors .This disease can impact any area of the body including, the nervous system, joints and ligaments, and skin. The bacteria that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, is mainly transmitted through infected blacklegged ticks. These ticks live in both wooded and grassy environments, so people who enjoy the outdoors are at risk. When an infected tick bites a person, it can pass on the bacteria. These ticks are small and their bite often goes without being noticed. This allows their bites to go unnoticed in most and allows the Borrelia burgdorferi to be transmitted to their host. This also decreases the chance that the person will receive early treatment for Lyme disease, unless they or their provider understand the early symptoms associated with Lyme disease.

The symptoms of lyme disease can vary and present differently in the different stages of the disease. Early signs include a unique bullseye rash, flu-like symptoms, and joint pain. Later in the disease process, a patient may face neurological issues, muscle weakness, and even heart related problems.

Early-stage symptoms

Distinctive bullseye-shaped rash, known as erythema migrans
Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and fatigue
Bell’s palsy
Joint and muscle pain
Headaches

Late-stage symptoms:

Neurological issues, such as Bell's palsy, and neuropathy
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Cardiac problems, including irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS)
Chronic joint and muscle pain
Cognitive impairments, including memory loss and difficulty concentrating

Lyme disease and Oral Health

Lyme disease is known for affecting the brain, joints, and skin. But, it might also impact your dental health too.. The bacteria behind Lyme disease can be found in your mouth. This bacteria could lead to gum disease, gingivitis, cracking teeth, tooth loss, and even jaw pain and TMJ..

How Lyme disease affects dental health is still a mystery. Researchers postulate that the chronic inflammation from the bacteria might be at the root cause of these dental problems.

Potential Dental Complications

If you have Lyme disease, you might face these dental issues:
Gingivitis and periodontitis: The bacteria can cause gum disease, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and tooth loss.
Tooth loss: The bacteria might directly harm teeth, making them loose and potentially falling out.
Tooth sensitivity due to microfractures in the enamel of the tooth’s surface.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues: Lyme disease can cause jaw pain and inflammation, making chewing and speaking hard.

Additionally, Lyme bacteria have been found in root canal-treated teeth, which may pose further risks to oral health. Testing for these bacteria in such teeth can help maintain a healthy oral environment.

On the flip side, certain dental materials used in crowns, braces, or implants can exacerbate Lyme disease symptoms. For instance, dental toxicity from specific metals/amalgams might trigger unexpected issues like cognitive or behavioral problems. Patients’ with Lyme disease are cautioned on the types of fillings received and types of dental work done that may evoke increased symptomology due to the presence of Lyme bacteria. These recommendations often include removal of mercury based fillings by a biologic dentist, opting for use of composite fillings when necessary, and refraining from use of crowns and root canals, which can cause cavitizations, or pockets of bacteria and decay, in the mandibular jaw bone.

Lyme disease Oral Symptoms

Lyme disease can indeed affect your teeth and oral health that can lead to symptoms like:

jaw pain
difficulty moving the jaw
cavities
and even misalignment of the teeth.
Additionally, Lyme disease can cause inflammation of the facial nerves, leading to facial pain and discomfort.

Some common oral health symptoms linked to Lyme disease include jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, facial numbness, and even tooth loss. These issues can make everyday activities like chewing, swallowing, and speaking more difficult, leading to chronic pain and a reduced quality of life.

Does Lyme disease make your teeth fall out?

Lyme disease, in and of itself, doesn't directly cause teeth to fall out, but it can contribute to oral health issues that may lead to tooth loss if not managed properly. The bacteria responsible for Lyme disease can cause inflammation in the gums and surrounding tissues, leading to conditions like chronic periodontitis. This gum disease, if left untreated, can weaken the structures that support the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth loss.

Additionally, Lyme disease can impact the jaw and facial nerves, potentially leading to conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder which can cause jaw pain and misalignment. These issues can complicate oral health further and, in severe cases, contribute to dental problems that may result in tooth loss.

How to deal with Lyme Disease Affected Teeth?

Dealing with teeth affected by Lyme disease requires a proactive approach to both dental and overall health. If Lyme disease has impacted your teeth, it’s important to work closely with both your dentist and healthcare provider to manage the condition effectively.

Start by maintaining good oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly to prevent gum disease, which can worsen if Lyme disease has already affected your gums. Use a fluoride toothpaste, which can help protect your teeth from decay. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth .

If you experience symptoms like jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or gum inflammation, see your dentist as soon as possible. They can provide treatments to address these issues, such as deep cleaning for gum disease or custom mouthguards to ease jaw pain associated with temporomandibular joint disorder.

In addition, managing Lyme disease, through proper medical treatment is crucial. Antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider can help reduce the bacterial load, minimizing its impact on your oral health. Regular dental check-ups and open communication with your dentist about your Lyme disease diagnosis can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

How to Prevent Lyme disease Teeth Fall Out?

To prevent tooth loss associated with Lyme disease, it's essential to take a proactive approach that combines proper oral care and effective management of the disease itself.

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using fluoride toothpaste to prevent gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
Get regular dental check-ups to monitor and address any early signs of dental issues related to Lyme disease.
Manage Lyme disease effectively with proper medical treatment to reduce the bacterial load and prevent complications affecting oral health.
Use mouthguards if you have TMJ or jaw pain to protect your teeth and reduce additional stress on your oral structures.
Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol as these can worsen gum disease and overall oral health.

Final Words

While Lyme disease doesn’t directly cause teeth to fall out, it can lead to dental problems that may increase the risk of tooth loss if not managed properly. The bacteria associated with Lyme disease can cause gum inflammation, which may contribute to periodontitis, and affect both tooth and jaw health. Maintaining good oral hygiene, managing Lyme disease with proper medical care, and having regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing and addressing any dental issues linked to Lyme disease.

Does Lyme Disease Make Your Teeth Fall Out?