facial paralysis & gum issues

[nancyann]

Hi there - wondering if anyone else with facial paralysis is/did have 'thinning' gums.  I went to my dentist to check a white area, hard on lower gum.  the dentist said it wasn't pus, etc., described it as occuring possibly due to the paralysis - like when people lose weight & there bones stick out, my tooth seems to be sticking out more.
Also having white patches inside cheek - don't know if it's due to grinding my teeth at night or what.   Appreciate  feedback.    Nancy

[vcschaub]

Along with dry eye, one can have dry mouth. When one lacks enough saliva, thrush can develop which is characterized by white patches. You might want to have it checked out.

[matti]

Nancyann - I have too have what you describe as thinning gums on my AN side and more so on the lower. After 8 years I still don't chew on that side due to residual paralysis, so I thought it was all connected somehow

 Since my AN surgery, I have had alot of dental problems due to lack of saliva production. My mouth is so dry and I constantly drink water, but it doesn't help much. I tried the OTC dry mouth products and they help a little.

Do the white patches hurt?

Cheryl

[nancyann]

Thanks for your responses guys,  I have a dental appt. Nov. 28th, will have the dentist check for oral thrush.   I hope it's just me gnawing on my cheek during sleep!
Nancy      I don't have pain where the white patches are - they're located right where my teeth meet, so I'm wondering if it is more due to grinding, etc.   My mouth is really dry all the time too, didn't think about decreased saliva production, but I'm sure I've got that problem too.  Thanks again