Does Lyme Disease Make Your Teeth Fall Out?

With tick season in full swing, one question our Naperville general dentists have been getting is: Does Lyme disease make your teeth fall out? Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, can affect the entire body and, yes, that includes the mouth.

In this post, we’ll discuss how Lyme disease impacts oral health, whether it causes tooth loss and what those with the disease can do to protect their smile.

Lyme Disease Transmission and Symptoms

Lyme disease is transmitted to humans from the bite of a tick that carries Borrelia bacteria. It’s a multisystem inflammatory condition that occurs in stages. Symptoms of early Lyme disease, or stage 1, typically begin three to 30 days after the tick bite.

While not everyone gets a rash, the most well-known symptom in stage 1 of the disease is a rash that looks like a bull’s-eye. Additional symptoms include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Extreme fatigue
• Stiff joints
• Achy muscles
• Swollen lymph nodes

The good news is that, if caught early, Lyme disease is curable with antibiotics.

According to the CDC, if Lyme disease isn’t treated and it progresses into stage 2 and then stage 3, or chronic Lyme disease, more serious, widespread symptoms can occur, such as:

• Arthritis
• Severe joint pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Facial paralysis
• Nerve pain
• Inflammation of the spinal cord or brain
• Shortness of breath
• Cognitive decline
• Meningitis

Lyme disease can be treated even once it becomes chronic; however, there is a risk of lingering symptoms and health problems.

How Lyme Disease Affects Oral Health

The bacteria involved in Lyme disease trigger inflammation throughout the body. This can extend to your mouth. In fact, Lyme disease symptoms in teeth often manifest as tooth pain, jaw pain and gum inflammation.

The condition also weakens the immune system, potentially making it harder for your body to fight off the harmful oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the specific ways Lyme disease can affect your teeth and jaw, and how Naperville Dental Specialists can help you manage these complications.

Lyme Disease and Your Teeth, Gums and Jaw

1. Tooth Pain and Sensitivity
   A common Lyme disease symptom in teeth is pain and sensitivity. Sometimes, there is nothing wrong with the teeth and the discomfort is actually due to inflamed nerves. A case study in the Journal of Endodontics highlighted an instance of a woman with neuropathy from Lyme disease that mimicked dental pain.Other times, the pain and sensitivity are related to the teeth. The bacteria behind Lyme disease can occupy the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) and tubules of the teeth. This creates inflammation that can lead to pulpitis (inflammation of the tooth’s pulp) and severe tooth pain.Our Naperville dentists are well-versed in determining whether tooth pain is nerve-related or due to dental disease. This ensures you won’t have any unnecessary procedures and will receive the right treatment.
2. Dry Mouth
   Lyme disease is also tied to excessive thirst and dry mouth. When the disease impacts the nervous system, it can interfere with the nerves controlling the salivary glands, causing dry mouth, or xerostomia.Without enough saliva, the mouth becomes vulnerable to cavities, gum disease and tooth sensitivity. The team at Naperville Dental Specialists can help you manage dry mouth and suggest strategies to protect your teeth.
3. Lyme and Jaw Pain
   Lyme disease and jaw pain can go hand-in-hand due to the bacteria’s tendency to inflame tissues in the body. Studies have shown that temporomandibular (TMJ) joint pain and pain in the chewing muscles are common manifestations of the disease. There have also been cases of osteoarthritis of the TMJ caused by Lyme disease.Sometimes, this pain can be mistaken for dental problems, which means individuals may seek dental care when the issue is actually tied to Lyme disease. Our team can work with you to diagnose and treat jaw pain effectively, taking Lyme disease into account.
4. Increased Risk of Gum Disease
   Lyme disease has been linked to chronic periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, as well. The bacteria associated with Lyme disease can contribute to gum recession, making the tissue that supports your teeth weaker. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss.Although it’s rare, teeth falling out from a tick bite is possible if the underlying gum issues become severe. Naperville Dental Specialists offers comprehensive periodontal treatment to help you prevent these complications and maintain your oral health.
5. Root Canal Complications
   One of the concerns about Lyme disease and oral health is the possibility that the bacteria can thrive in root canal-treated teeth, where the blood supply has been cut off. Spirochetes (the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease) have been found in these areas. It’s thought they may aggravate infections and lead to persistent dental issues that are difficult to treat.The presence of Lyme bacteria in the root canals may make it harder to manage symptoms and restore the affected teeth. At Naperville Dental Specialists, we can evaluate your root canal-treated teeth and create a personalized plan to address your concerns.

The Connection Between Lyme Disease and Tooth Loss

So, can Lyme disease cause your teeth to fall out? The short answer is that while Lyme disease doesn’t directly cause teeth to fall out, it can create conditions (i.e., dry mouth, periodontitis, oral inflammation) that make tooth loss more likely.

Another reason why Lyme disease may lead to teeth falling out is that symptoms like joint pain and brain fog can make maintaining good oral hygiene more difficult. Lastly, for patients who already have poor oral health, Lyme disease can exacerbate issues that lead to tooth loss over time.

At Naperville Dental Specialists, we take a holistic approach to your dental care and address any underlying issues caused by Lyme disease to help prevent long-term oral health complications.

What Should You Do?

If you suspect Lyme disease is affecting oral health, it’s crucial to address both your general health and dental health. Here’s what you can do:

• Seek early treatment for Lyme disease: If you’ve been bitten by a tick or are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever or a rash, consult a healthcare professional. Early treatment with antibiotics can help prevent long-term complications, including oral health problems.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Using a fluoride toothpaste and drinking plenty of water can also help manage dry mouth.
• Consult your dentist at Naperville Dental Specialists: If you’re experiencing unexplained tooth pain or jaw discomfort, inform your dentist about your Lyme disease diagnosis. They can help you monitor the condition of your teeth and gums and recommend specific treatments.
• Manage your pH: Keep your mouth in an alkaline state to help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria. This may mean minimizing your intake of acidic foods and drinks, as well as limiting snacking. Your dentist can also provide tips for maintaining a healthy oral pH.

Bottom Line: Does Lyme Disease Make Your Teeth Fall Out?

While Lyme disease doesn’t directly cause your teeth to fall out, it can lead to a series of oral health issues, such as tooth pain, gum disease, and oral inflammation, that could ultimately result in tooth loss if not properly managed.

The bacteria responsible for Lyme disease can create an environment where oral infections thrive, ultimately weakening the structures that support your teeth. If you’re dealing with Lyme disease, it’s important to maintain a healthy oral care routine and seek prompt treatment to prevent complications that could impact your teeth.

Book an Appointment With a Naperville Dentist

If you’re concerned about Lyme disease and your teeth, book an appointment at Naperville Dental Specialists today. Our team is here to help you protect your oral health and provide personalized care tailored to your needs.

Sources:

1. Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease. CDC. 2024 May. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs-symptoms/index.html
2. Mello I, Peters J, Lee C. Neuropathy Mimicking Dental Pain in a Patient Diagnosed with Lyme Disease. J Endod. 2020 Sep;46(9):1337-1339. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2020.06.011. Epub 2020 Jun 17. PMID: 32562700.
3. Bansai, Shikha. Lyme disease and dental health: What you need to know. Human Health Project. 2018 Feb. https://humanhealthproject.org/dental-health/lyme-disease-and-dental-health-what-you-need-to-know/
4. Fanelli, Jenna. Does Lyme Disease Affect Your Teeth? Doctors Explain Lyme Disease Symptoms, Including Impacts on Oral Health. First for Women. 2024 Aug. https://www.firstforwomen.com/health/dental/lyme-disease-brain-fog-fatigue
5. Gnatovych, O, Benevuto, V. The Manifestations of Lyme Disease. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. 2020 Feb;18(2):40–43. https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/manifestations-lyme-disease/
6. Heir GM, Fein LA. Lyme disease: considerations for dentistry. J Orofac Pain. 1996;10:74–86.