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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has Anybody Experienced Having Weak Or Really Bad Teeth Problems?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Tulare, CA

UPDATE....It was the Gabapentin. I was also taking Gabapentin but I stopped taking them when I read an article linking them to tooth decay and other problems. My body went through very painful muscle spasms (withdrawal symptom) for a few days after I stopped taking them. I will soon be getting dental implants to replace the teeth I lost

I brush my teeth at least 3X a day. 2 years ago I started taking Intelence. I've noticed that my teeth have gotten considerably weak and some teeth have… read more

September 16, 2019 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the shared struggle of tooth decay and dental problems while on HIV medications, with several specifically mentioning... Read more

Members connected over the shared struggle of tooth decay and dental problems while on HIV medications, with several specifically mentioning Intelence, Epzicom, and Gabapentin as potential culprits, and one member sharing that stopping Gabapentin led to painful withdrawal but eventual dental implants. Many members offered practical guidance for accessing affordable dental care, including Ryan White funding, ADAP programs, searching for dentists who accept Medi-Cal or Medicare, and researching lawsuits related to bone density loss from certain HIV medications. A recurring theme was the heartbreak of losing healthy teeth despite diligent care, the financial burden of dental work, and the fierce encouragement to keep advocating and not lose hope in finding solutions.

A myHIVteam Member

There are offices that do take Medicaid & Medicare. I'm on that insurance and get regular checkups for my teeth. I had to research and look a for along time.

September 29, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

I’ve been on Stibild, Genvoya, Descovy, Tivicay, Isentress, now I’m on Biktarvy. Prior to me getting on HIV Treatment, I was very bad off on Meth. Meth ruined my teeth, I had to get full dentures. I’ve been clean & sober for 6 years now. Undetectable for 5 1/2 years. Im saving money to get dental implants so I can get rid of dentures. Implants are expensive.

September 23, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

There is a lawsuit out for bone density loss due to Atripla and certain other drugs. You should look this up and see if the drugs you are currently on or have taken in the past are on the list.

September 17, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

Look into the Ryan White/ADAP Programs in your state and/or Health Department.
Medi/Medi plans you do have"some" benefits you just have to "dig and fight" for them from the plan Administrator (who/the company that Administors (runs) the benefits for your state.

September 17, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

I remember in 2000 I went to a Ryan White funded dentist and she ask what medications I was on, I said Zerit and Epiver for 4 years she said and you still have teeth? She cared for my teeth cleaned and checked them twice a year and I was fine till 2012. All my cousins were dentists and I went regularly all my life and only had 2 surfaces that had fillings. In 2012 I went on Intelence and Epzicom and in 8/2012 my teeth just started to crack and fall out and had to have them all pulled it broke my heart because till them they were perfect. The qualifications for Ryan White as easy, it you make less than 40K you will qualify in Florida! Pastor David Bast

September 17, 2019

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