In this post, I explore the surprising link between brain injury and dental health, drawing from my personal experience after a traumatic brain injury caused by TMS. I discuss the unexpected dental issues I faced, including multiple cavities and tooth sensitivity, and highlight the importance of proactive dental care during recovery. This connection is often overlooked, but understanding it can significantly impact overall health. Join me as I share insights and tips for safeguarding your dental health after a brain injury.
When I sustained a traumatic brain injury due to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), I was unprepared for the ripple effects it would have on every aspect of my life, including my dental health. TMS, intended to treat my mental health condition, instead left me grappling with unexpected consequences, including the physical toll it took on my brain.
In the months following my injury, I began to notice alarming changes: my teeth started to crack at the gum line and became increasingly sensitive. Given that I had just undergone a perfect cleaning six months prior, this sudden decline was both surprising and concerning.
The Dental Visit
Feeling uneasy about the changes, I scheduled a visit with my dentist. To my shock, I discovered I had developed eight cavities in just six months after my injury. This revelation was particularly jarring because I had gone from having no dental issues in my last several cleanings to facing multiple cavities seemingly overnight. During my appointment, the dental hygienist was taken aback by my situation. She directly asked me about my oral hygiene routine, inquiring if I could floss more than once a day, as she noted a concerning amount of decay. She even asked if I was brushing my teeth at all! This line of questioning left me feeling both bewildered and frustrated—was it merely a coincidence, or was there a deeper connection between my brain injury and this sudden decline in my dental health?
The rapid deterioration of my oral health felt like a distressing signal that something more significant was happening in my body.
The Link Between Brain Injury and Dental Health
An insightful article from Psychology Today discusses the critical relationship between traumatic brain injuries and dental health. Many may not realize that a brain injury can impact oral health in several ways:
Altered Chewing Patterns: After a brain injury, individuals may experience changes in their ability to chew properly. This can lead to poor oral hygiene, as food particles might not be cleared away effectively, increasing the risk of cavities.
Jaw Misalignment: Injuries can also result in misalignments in the jaw, which can cause additional strain on teeth and lead to further dental issues.
Increased Stress: The aftermath of a brain injury can be overwhelming. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate behaviors like teeth grinding, which can damage teeth and lead to sensitivity.
Blood Circulation Issues: After a brain injury, reduced blood flow to the teeth can impair their health, making them more susceptible to decay and infection.
Saliva Production Changes: Brain injuries can lead to alterations in saliva production, affecting its ability to neutralize acids in the mouth.
pH Imbalance: Changes in saliva can result in an imbalance in pH levels, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
My Experience
Understanding these connections is crucial for anyone recovering from a brain injury, as maintaining oral health is essential for overall recovery.
Reflecting on my experience, I realized that my dental issues were not just coincidental. The trauma my body had undergone likely altered my daily habits, including how I chewed and cared for my teeth. As I navigated my recovery journey, it became clear that dental health should be a priority for anyone recovering from a brain injury.
Before scheduling any dental work, I made the decision to meet with my dentist to discuss my health history and hopefully prevent any future issues. However, when I explained my brain injury and the concerning problems I was experiencing with my teeth, both the dentist and the dental technician looked at me as if I were speaking another language. Even more distressing, there were no notes in my file that I had a brain injury even though I had been to the dentist twice since my injury and told the dental technician each time. Alone, this was alarming.
When I asked if a brain injury or poor blood circulation could impact dental health, the dentist dismissively replied, "No." At that moment, I should have left it at that, but I couldn't help but press further, asking if he truly believed that the brain had no connection to the body, including our teeth. He remained steadfast in his stance, completely refuting any link between brain health and dental health. I was taken aback.
Needless to say, when it came time to book my dental appointment, I declined. I realized I needed to find a dentist who understood the complexities of brain injuries and their effects on oral health. My search continues, but I hope sharing this experience sheds light on the full-body healing journey that follows a brain injury.
After just three TMS treatments, my world has been turned upside down, and what was once healthy is now undergoing significant changes due to my brain injury.
Moving Forward
I plan to delve deeper into this connection between the brain and oral health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proactive dental care after experiencing a brain injury. It’s essential for healthcare providers—especially dentists—to understand the potential consequences of traumatic brain injuries on oral health.
If you or someone you know has experienced a brain injury, I encourage you to pay close attention to your dental health. Don’t hesitate to communicate with your dentist about your history and any changes you've noticed. It's a crucial part of the holistic healing process that shouldn't be overlooked.
By raising awareness about this often-overlooked aspect of recovery, we can ensure that those who have experienced traumatic brain injuries receive the comprehensive care they need to support their overall well-being.
Since my encounter with my local dentist and the frustrating misunderstanding about the link between brain injuries and dental health, I’ve dedicated time to researching this crucial topic. I discovered Dr. Kurtzman in Atlanta, GA, who specializes in dental care for patients with traumatic brain injuries. I have an appointment scheduled with him in a couple of months to discuss my case and explore tailored care options. He seems to specialize in helping the patient be comfortable during dental procedures rather than discussing preventative care, but I am open to learn.
Additionally, I came across several informative YouTube videos featuring former dentists discussing oral care, which have provided valuable insights into the connection between oral health and overall well-being after a brain injury. This research has been a beacon of hope as I continue my journey toward recovery.
Current Care Protocol for Oral Health
Maintaining optimal oral health is essential, especially after experiencing a brain injury. Here’s my current care protocol, which incorporates natural methods and dietary changes to support dental well-being:
Brush Twice Daily
Method: Use homemade toothpaste made from coconut oil, baking soda, peppermint oil, and remineralizing powder.
Benefits:
Coconut Oil: Antimicrobial properties help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Baking Soda: A gentle abrasive that helps remove plaque and whiten teeth.
Peppermint Oil: Provides a fresh flavor and can have antibacterial effects.
Remineralizing Powder: Contains minerals like calcium and phosphorus that can strengthen enamel.
Activated Charcoal: Known for its ability to absorb toxins and stain, it can help whiten teeth and reduce bad breath.
Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil and Cinnamon
Frequency: At least once daily for a minimum of 5 minutes.
Benefits:
Coconut Oil: Helps eliminate bacteria and promotes oral health.
Cinnamon: Has antimicrobial properties and can enhance flavor while providing additional health benefits.
Flossing Daily
Frequency: At least once per day.
Benefits: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth, areas that brushing may miss, which helps prevent gum disease and cavities.
Gargling with Salt Water
Frequency: After eating.
Benefits: Salt water can reduce inflammation, soothe sore gums, and help prevent infection by creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria.
Incorporating Goat Milk into My Diet - As a former vegan, adding goat milk to my diet was a significant step for me. However, after reading extensive literature on the benefits of healthy fats and the nutritional advantages of dairy, I decided it was time to give it a try. This choice was aimed at boosting my overall health, especially in light of my recovery journey. The transition was daunting, but I’m finding it rewarding as I focus on nourishing my body in new ways.
Benefits:
Nutrient-Rich: Goat milk is high in calcium, which is essential for strong teeth and bones.
Probiotics: It can support a healthy gut microbiome, which is increasingly linked to overall health, including oral health.
By adhering to this protocol, I aim to support my oral health while navigating the complexities of recovery after my brain injury. These practices not only promote a healthier mouth but also contribute to my overall well-being. If nothing else, I hope you are able to pull something from this blog post that helps you heal. As always, please share with me your journey.
All my light. All my love.
Namaste,
Jordan
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