Pain - Real or Manifestation of AD

techageguy

My DW has AD is living in an AL MC facility and complains daily about oral pain, sticky teeth and something stuck between her teeth. She has been to her regular dentist several times, a periodontist, an oral surgeon and a hospital dental clinic. All have been unable to identify a source of her pain and other perceived issues. The attending physician at her facility thinks the pain and other oral issues are a manifestation of AD and the nurse offers her Tylenol when she complains. DW calls me multiple times daily with one or more of the above complaints and I am at a loss as to how to help her.

Anyone had similar experience? Dentist and docs have no real explanation or fixes. I would love to help her and would appreciate your thoughts on how to make her life better.

Thanks in advance.

mommyandme (m&m)

Could her sinuses be putting pressure that feels like tooth and gum pain?  I take it they’ve checked her bite and for clenching.  Maybe a placebo (fiblet) might help?  

My mother complained of back pain forever... she thought when I brought her to CO that we’d fix her. When that wasn’t accomplished she was becoming depressed.  I told her PCP about the depression etc... She prescribed her with Cymbalta which can address pain and depression.  Her neurologist was pleased with the choice also. Keep in mind, mom didn’t have any ability to understand that we introduced a new medication or why. 

As soon as the optimal level was achieved, poof, no more complaints of pain and much more relaxed with life.  May be a coincidence with the loss of the back pain “dementia loop” but I’m a believer and think it’s probably the most important med in the box. 

My hopes are you find some comfort for you and your wife.

M1

Hi, I just answered your other post too!  There's a fairly rare thing called burning mouth syndrome, thought to be neurologic--I'm not aware that there are any particular treatments, but your post made me think about it.   They may be right, could be a manifestation of the AD.  Very bothersome though.  Wish there were a clearcut answer......

Sjodry

Techageguy,

There is also an autoimmune condition called Sjogren’s Syndrome which causes serious dry mouth issues among other symptomology. There are some specific rinses made for dry mouth as well as lozenges and such. It might be worth a try to see if she gets any relief.

Pain is a difficult issue I have found. My mom is also having frequent complaints of leg pain, having difficulty standing,etc. The hospice nurse and I have been trying to discern if it seems like a “real” problem necessitating a change in pain meds. It is really challenging trying to figure it out for sure.

And the journey continues…

Good luck.

Sandy

aod326

Last summer my DH started to say his teeth hurt and that they felt loose. He started trying to wiggle his teeth like a kid losing their first tooth. I wondered whether he was imagining it. but took him to the dentist anyway. Not easy during COVID - our regular dentist was still closed, and initially the dental nurse wouldn't let me in the room with DH. But dentist turned out to be great. He did a really thorough check up, to check on everything. He said that DH was grinding his teeth and clenching his jaw. He said that one or more of the meds he was taking had that as a possible side effect. 

I didn't get a gum shield because I knew he wouldn't use it, but at least I knew there was no other cause of the pain.

Good luck.

techageguy

Thanks - her dentist also considered grinding. I spent $500 for a guard and it disappeared within a week.