Question:
I'm trying to get a little information on the relationship between
Lipitor and periodontal disease. I'm a 51 yr old male who in the last
year has developed gum disease. I have never had a cavity in my life and
have always followed a rigorous dental hygiene plan... When I would go
to my dentist on a yearly basis, I would have next to no plaque buildup,
even in hard to reach places. The only variable I can think of is I
started Lipitor, 10mg., about 2yrs ago. One yr ago, I was bumped up to
20mgs. All my bone loss has been in the last year and is increasing
exponentially. I told my G.P. about it and he said it was purely a
dental matter...
Answer:
Certain drugs can cause gingival inflamation (swelling of the gums) which when
measured with a periodontal probe may seem like deeper pockets than normal.
But this would be considered "Gingivitis" not "Periodontitis"
With Periodontitis there is bone loss. If your pockets are 5mm deep or deeper
then you more than likely do have some boneloss but I doubt that the medication
is the cause. Have you had a great decrease in salivery flow? This can
increse plaque and calculus accumulation, which can be a cause of gum disease.
Ask your dentist to check the "PDR" to see if Lipitor has any adverse effects
on the gums. If it is gingivitis it is reversible , if it is Periodontitis, it
can be controlled but not cured, like Diabetes for instance.
I developed gum disease...Up till a year ago, my gums were bullet proof.
My dentist, whom I've known since he was in dental school, has never let
anything go when it came to my mouth. He apprised me of it at the first
sign and I went to more frequent visits straight away. I don't know what
to think...
I checked infoseek.com and dejanews and I could find no information
about Lipitor and gums (althought there was plenty of other
information there).
I know how HMG CoA reductase inhibitors work and I cannot imagine why
a correlation like this would occur. The only other suggestion I might
have is to send a note to the FDA or to the manufacturer and inquire
as to whether they have any adverse reports of this sort.
Just can''t agree on that. Gingivitis, ok it is reversible. But so is also
now perio in some cases.
And once the infection is gone in perio - so is the disease. Even if the
results of the disease is still remains the disease is per definition gone
if what causes are no longer present.
