Enamel changes to teeth

Hello, I am trying to find out how to diagnose the damage to my tooth enamel, which has been continuing since 1998, and if anyone knows what type of test to ask for (and if a dentist can do it). When I've brought this up with doctors, they only talk about eating disorders (anorexia/bulemia), which I don't have, and then they drop the matter without giving any other suggestions. I don't eat lemons or drink soft drinks, and I don't have any trouble with acid reflux. When this first started, the change to the enamel was very rapid; when I tried to chew a piece of gum, it began dissolving immediately (since then the damage is slow but consistent, and gum doesn't dissolve as far as I can tell). Do dentists test for saliva pH? I've had a few bouts with very high ketones in my urine, but my blood sugar levels are always normal.

[Azaral]

It sounds kinda like dental enamel hypoplasia. This can be caused by a traumatic event to the body, an eating disorder, or a malabsorption condition.

The doctors seem fixated on the eating disorder, so lets talk about the other two.

Did anything out of the ordinary happen at the same time as the dental enamel changes? A lost job, a new kid, a death in the family - anything that causes abnormal levels of stress could be the cause, but if that was the case, it probably wouldn't persist until now - unless the stress is still hanging around too.

Malabsorption conditions (ketones support this theory): Do you show any signs of hair loss/thinning, discolored nails, osteoperosis, b-12 deficiency? Is there any family history of those conditions? The teeth might be the only symptom, or it could be accompanied by almost any other symptom you can imagine. It could be caused by a food intolerence or some kind of scarring of the lower intestines caused by illness or even a body chemical imbalance. The result is malnutrition no matter how much you eat.

If there is a chemical trigger, its probably something you eat or drink (doesn't have to be acidic, it just has to disagree with your lower intestines).

Some medications also react with people's digestive systems to cause permanent or semi-permanent damage. Have you ever had a particularly bad reaction to any medication? Did you continue the medication?

No traumatic incidents/stress or medications, but I have had a lot of hair thinning (head and body); osteoporosis scans are within normal limits but the bone density levels have decreased since this began. Last blood tests were normal, but I did have several incidents of blood potassium imbalances when the urine ketones were high.

[Azaral]

"bone density levels have decreased since this began. Last blood tests were normal, but I did have several incidents of blood potassium imbalances when the urine ketones were high."

That's definately some kind of malabsorption problem. If you do eat normally there's some problem in your digestive process where the nutrients aren't being processed correctly.

There could be a yeast imbalance, genetic deformation, or a immune reaction to a type of food causing intestinal damage. I would talk to a gastro-intestinal specialist.

Look into the Malabsorption condition Celiac Sprue - think I just found out why I have lost so many teeth! Check it out - maybe you can reverse it through diet.

It could also be Sjogrens Syndrome. It causes dry eyes, nose and mouth. When you sleep and don't have the sliva to wash away the bacterias they grow. Do you grind your teeth at night, with out know it??
Malabsorption is possible. So are other autoimmune problems. do you have any auto innume problems?? Just some other thoughts for you. Hope you get it sorted out soon.

[jeff88]

Are these the only symptoms you're having? Have you noticed any rashes, itching, easy bruising?

[natrfrk]

I am having this exact same problem right now. Mine just started last week. It is happening very rapidly . I am very scared. I don't know about any of my blood levels because I have not been to a doctor yet. I didn't really realize HOW fast this was happening until yesterday, late afternoon.

My doctor's office was closed, and now it is the weekend, and Monday is a holiday. I don't know if they will be open or not. But that will be the soonest I can get in. I do think for me, it must be a deficiency. It doesn't seem to be a dental issue, even though it is my teeth with the symptom. But what I mean is, there is no decay, so it is not bacterial. And I don't have gum disease. And my teeth are not changing colors, they're just melting.

Other symptoms I have but might or might not be related...I have been slightly constipated off and on for a few weeks, I have dry skin which is extremely bad on my face and lower abdomen, and lower legs. I am cold all the time. And, my grey hair that was silver is now white. My hair comes out by the handfuls, but it has done that for years and my doctor doesn't seem concerned. Over the years, I'd say I've lost 2/3 of my hairs thickness. It used to be really thick. Oh, and lately, I have bouts of blurry vision, but I can blink it away.

I have not been diagnosed with any disease or disorders.

Have you learned anything new yet about your condition?

Hi Natrfrk –

I just saw your reply today. Please keep in touch and let me know if you find out any answers. I have had this problem since 1998, without any answers, but after many years of my own research I believe this is caused by an acid (pH) imbalance in the body, which can have different causes. I have also had your other symptoms (including lots of hair loss), and wonder if this is some type of kidney disorder.

[natrfrk]

I did get to the doctor. He said all my symptoms point to the Thyroid. He did not specifically say the thyroid was related to the enamel loss though. When I go back in a month for my test results, I will ask him. He was way more interested in some of my other symptoms over the enamel issue.

He is testing me for the thyroid, vit b12 def., vit D def., and anemia.
I will keep you posted as to what I find out.

I will say, that I have been taking some homeopathic remedies, (one of them was prescribed by the doctor but is available at health food stores), and my enamel IS growing back. Let me know if you are interested, and I will share more about that.