Teeth and gum pain? Help!
browneyesandstarryskies
Posts: 17 Member
Help! I've been trying to stick to a caloric restriction diet (1200 since I'm pretty sedentary right now). I'm a 5 foot 7, 21 year old female who is going from 180 to 130 pounds.
For some reason though, whenever I try dieting I get horrible shooting pain in my gums and tons of toothaches l. It only happens when I diet. It confuses me because I eating LESS sugar. I brush my teeth twice a day, I dont engage in dangerous behaviors like purging and cigarette smoking, and this only happens when I diet. I'm not on any diet pills eaither.
What causes this? Does anyone else have this problem? Do you have any advice? I'm sorry if this sounds crazy, but its driving me crazy.
Thanks for any help
For some reason though, whenever I try dieting I get horrible shooting pain in my gums and tons of toothaches l. It only happens when I diet. It confuses me because I eating LESS sugar. I brush my teeth twice a day, I dont engage in dangerous behaviors like purging and cigarette smoking, and this only happens when I diet. I'm not on any diet pills eaither.
What causes this? Does anyone else have this problem? Do you have any advice? I'm sorry if this sounds crazy, but its driving me crazy.
Thanks for any help
2
Replies
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You make an appointment with your dentist.12
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I've never heard of this. Good question for your dentist. You might have something else going it, it's just been coinciding with your calorie deficit rather than caused by.3
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You need to go to the dentist. I had a similar thing once and went in thinking something horrible and it was inflamed gums, which sounds like nothing but it turns out, can actually hurt really bad. I had to use a prescription mouthwash and switch from floss to water floss. You need a professional. What you are describing doesn't sound like it was just brush away.2
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There is no reason those symptoms should be brought on by calorie restriction, perhaps it is a specific food or nervous habit that you only use while dieting that is causing it? Regardless, that's a question for a dentist, make an appointment.
Considering your stats, you only need to lose 25 lbs to get into the healthy weight range and should be aiming for about 1 lb per week, which would have you closer to 1500 cals. 1200 is aggressive. If you do any exercise, make sure to log it and eat back at least some of those calories as well. You are still young - don't get stuck in a pattern of eating too little and losing weight fast, then rebounding back up over and over again :drinker:8 -
There is no reason those symptoms should be brought on by calorie restriction, perhaps it is a specific food or nervous habit that you only use while dieting that is causing it? Regardless, that's a question for a dentist, make an appointment.
Considering your stats, you only need to lose 25 lbs to get into the healthy weight range and should be aiming for about 1 lb per week, which would have you closer to 1500 cals. 1200 is aggressive. If you do any exercise, make sure to log it and eat back at least some of those calories as well. You are still young - don't get stuck in a pattern of eating too little and losing weight fast, then rebounding back up over and over again :drinker:
Thank you for the advice. Honestly, besides stress and illness preventing me from eating, I've never been on a real diet before. This is the first time in my life that I've been overweight caused by back surgery and many medicines so I'm in the dark on how to properly eat and lose weight. I'm not trying to hurt myself, I'm just in such culture shock from having a bigger body I'm not used to or comfortable in. I appreciate the help, honestly.3 -
Thanks everyone. I'm going to the dentist tomorrow, so I'll update on what they say.9
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browneyesandstarryskies wrote: »Thanks everyone. I'm going to the dentist tomorrow, so I'll update on what they say.
Very happy to read this.
With regards to weight loss, don't make it harder than it has to be. There is a lot of great information here. Do some reading. I would start with the links here (particularly the sexypants thread):
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10300331/most-helpful-posts-getting-started-must-reads#latest5 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »browneyesandstarryskies wrote: »Thanks everyone. I'm going to the dentist tomorrow, so I'll update on what they say.
Very happy to read this.
With regards to weight loss, don't make it harder than it has to be. There is a lot of great information here. Do some reading. I would start with the links here (particularly the sexypants thread):
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10300331/most-helpful-posts-getting-started-must-reads#latest
Thank you so much!1 -
browneyesandstarryskies wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »browneyesandstarryskies wrote: »Thanks everyone. I'm going to the dentist tomorrow, so I'll update on what they say.
Very happy to read this.
With regards to weight loss, don't make it harder than it has to be. There is a lot of great information here. Do some reading. I would start with the links here (particularly the sexypants thread):
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10300331/most-helpful-posts-getting-started-must-reads#latest
Thank you so much!
You're welcome. Feel free to update after the dentist appointment tomorrow. I'm sure several of us will be wondering. As you are reading, ask questions if you need more support.1 -
Good luck tomorrow at this dentist! Just a thought, but are you eating more hard stuff than you normally do? I'm thinking an existing problem combined with crunching on fruits and veggies may be triggering the pain. Other than that I can't think of anything else that would cause this. Sometimes I get jaw pain from munching on carrots. I hope it's something small that you can easily resolve. Definitely update, I am super curious!0
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Is there any chance that calorie restriction is sufficiently stressful that you're gritting or grinding your teeth during sleep? Stress-related tooth-gritting during sleep earned me a bunch of headaches, and brought on some tooth problems (abcess, according to my dentist, and consequent root canal).6
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I'm hoping to read the results too. I have been having a lot of tooth pain (and now lately headaches) but my last two dentist appointments we're fine. They just tell me I have sensitivity and to use the sensitive toothpaste.1
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Just another thought...sinus infections can cause upper jaw and teeth pain. I suggest going to your family doctor if the dentist doesn't yield any results.4
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Good luck tomorrow at this dentist! Just a thought, but are you eating more hard stuff than you normally do? I'm thinking an existing problem combined with crunching on fruits and veggies may be triggering the pain. Other than that I can't think of anything else that would cause this. Sometimes I get jaw pain from munching on carrots. I hope it's something small that you can easily resolve. Definitely update, I am super curious!
Not a bad idea, it honestly, that cant be it. I actually end up eating a lot of soft foods on this diet (soups, yogurts, jellos). And usually it's the type of stuff I would eat anyway. But I'll be sure to explain tomorrow0 -
DancingMoosie wrote: »I'm hoping to read the results too. I have been having a lot of tooth pain (and now lately headaches) but my last two dentist appointments we're fine. They just tell me I have sensitivity and to use the sensitive toothpaste.
That happened to me too. Last time I mentioned something about this, my dentist told me to get sensitive toothpaste, but with this diet thing, it didnt help. I'm hoping this time to get more in depth results0 -
Is there any chance that calorie restriction is sufficiently stressful that you're gritting or grinding your teeth during sleep? Stress-related tooth-gritting during sleep earned me a bunch of headaches, and brought on some tooth problems (abcess, according to my dentist, and consequent root canal).
That's very much so possible. I dont show much signs of feeling stress so it could be subconscious. Is there a way to test if this is the case?0 -
browneyesandstarryskies wrote: »Is there any chance that calorie restriction is sufficiently stressful that you're gritting or grinding your teeth during sleep? Stress-related tooth-gritting during sleep earned me a bunch of headaches, and brought on some tooth problems (abcess, according to my dentist, and consequent root canal).
That's very much so possible. I dont show much signs of feeling stress so it could be subconscious. Is there a way to test if this is the case?
It's another thing you can ask your dentist about - there may be visible signs. If your headaches are worse (or more frequent) when you first wake up, that's also a hint. I have a bite guard I wear at night that helps. Mine is custom (dentist fitted), but you can get less custom heat & fit ones at big drugstores. Last I knew, they were about $25-30.
If it's stress-related in any way, then any stress reduction techniques may help: Meditiation ( http://www.relaxationresponse.org/steps/ or an app, for example), warm aromatherapy bath before bed, stretching/yoga, chamomile tea, etc.
Also, if it could be stress, try to avoid being extreme on either the diet front or the exercise front. For example, you could try reducing eating gradually, rather than going immediately to your intended bigger calorie deficit; and phasing in an exercise program by starting with lower duration, less intensity, and more rest days.
Just some thoughts.3 -
browneyesandstarryskies wrote: »Is there any chance that calorie restriction is sufficiently stressful that you're gritting or grinding your teeth during sleep? Stress-related tooth-gritting during sleep earned me a bunch of headaches, and brought on some tooth problems (abcess, according to my dentist, and consequent root canal).
That's very much so possible. I dont show much signs of feeling stress so it could be subconscious. Is there a way to test if this is the case?
It's another thing you can ask your dentist about - there may be visible signs. If your headaches are worse (or more frequent) when you first wake up, that's also a hint. I have a bite guard I wear at night that helps. Mine is custom (dentist fitted), but you can get less custom heat & fit ones at big drugstores. Last I knew, they were about $25-30.
If it's stress-related in any way, then any stress reduction techniques may help: Meditiation ( http://www.relaxationresponse.org/steps/ or an app, for example), warm aromatherapy bath before bed, stretching/yoga, chamomile tea, etc.
Also, if it could be stress, try to avoid being extreme on either the diet front or the exercise front. For example, you could try reducing eating gradually, rather than going immediately to your intended bigger calorie deficit; and phasing in an exercise program by starting with lower duration, less intensity, and more rest days.
Just some thoughts.
I appreciate the insight and advice. I'll ask my dentist and I LOVE yoga and meditation so that's not a bad idea.2 -
Are you eating more fruit. Are you using more vinegar in dressings or drinking more low cal sodas. Perhaps it is a change of foods that is causing the problem.
I find the acid in fruit or vinagrette dressings can set off sensitivity in my teeth. Also diet coke/pepsi if I drink too much.
Good that you are seeing your dentist though they should be able to advise you what might be happening.1 -
browneyesandstarryskies wrote: »Is there any chance that calorie restriction is sufficiently stressful that you're gritting or grinding your teeth during sleep? Stress-related tooth-gritting during sleep earned me a bunch of headaches, and brought on some tooth problems (abcess, according to my dentist, and consequent root canal).
That's very much so possible. I dont show much signs of feeling stress so it could be subconscious. Is there a way to test if this is the case?
My dental hygienist spotted signs of teeth grinding. I got a custom guard from them for $40 but if your dentist isn't that reasonably priced, they are also sold at major drugstore chains, like Ann said.
I found it odd at first but now I don't feel right unless I have it in my mouth when I go to sleep.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »browneyesandstarryskies wrote: »Is there any chance that calorie restriction is sufficiently stressful that you're gritting or grinding your teeth during sleep? Stress-related tooth-gritting during sleep earned me a bunch of headaches, and brought on some tooth problems (abcess, according to my dentist, and consequent root canal).
That's very much so possible. I dont show much signs of feeling stress so it could be subconscious. Is there a way to test if this is the case?
My dental hygienist spotted signs of teeth grinding. I got a custom guard from them for $40 but if your dentist isn't that reasonably priced, they are also sold at major drugstore chains, like Ann said.
I found it odd at first but now I don't feel right unless I have it in my mouth when I go to sleep.
I had my dentist make a specialty one, but it makes a significant difference for me. I forgot it a couple nights ago and woke with one of the worst headaches I've had in a long time (which is typical when I don't wear it). It's well worth the cost.0 -
Hi everyone, here's a quick update. I couldn't physically go to my dentist today because we more snow then predicted so they weren't taking any appointments, but over the phone my dentist said it sounds like inflammation of the gums. The best theory as to why it happens when I diet is that I lower my intake of various vitamins and mineral and lower my immune system, leaving my already sensitive mouth susceptible to infection. So he told me to swish salt water (which helped some) and take vitamins. If it doesn't go away, I can go in on Monday and may need antibiotics. Thanks for all the help an advice. I'm really happy I'm part of this community.
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I hope that it settles in the coming days.1
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kshama2001 wrote: »browneyesandstarryskies wrote: »Is there any chance that calorie restriction is sufficiently stressful that you're gritting or grinding your teeth during sleep? Stress-related tooth-gritting during sleep earned me a bunch of headaches, and brought on some tooth problems (abcess, according to my dentist, and consequent root canal).
That's very much so possible. I dont show much signs of feeling stress so it could be subconscious. Is there a way to test if this is the case?
My dental hygienist spotted signs of teeth grinding. I got a custom guard from them for $40 but if your dentist isn't that reasonably priced, they are also sold at major drugstore chains, like Ann said.
I found it odd at first but now I don't feel right unless I have it in my mouth when I go to sleep.
Agreed. I had one made a decade ago by my former dentist, but it was like $170 and painful, ugh. Now I like the Dentek ones you can buy for under twenty bucks on Amazon or at the drugstore. Works great for me and I replace a few times per year and clean with denture cleaner weekly (mouthwash dip daily). Seemed like a huge pain several years ago when I started but now I can't sleep very well w/o it, my grinding issue is gone and it's great.0 -
I was going to say, have you been eating LESS fruit? Several people have asked about more, but I was wondering if you're restricting your diet enough to give yourself scurvy, which is caused by vitamin C deficiency.
Hoping you feel better soon and that the vitamins help! Please keep us updated for the sake of others with similar issues who may be reading.0 -
Are you, by chance, taking any weightloss drugs/supplements?2
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rheddmobile wrote: »I was going to say, have you been eating LESS fruit? Several people have asked about more, but I was wondering if you're restricting your diet enough to give yourself scurvy, which is caused by vitamin C deficiency.
Hoping you feel better soon and that the vitamins help! Please keep us updated for the sake of others with similar issues who may be reading.
I've only been on this diet for 2 weeks so that's a pretty short period of time to get scurvy, but if anything I have increased my fruit intake. But I've been getting better anyway.1 -
cndkendrick wrote: »Are you, by chance, taking any weightloss drugs/supplements?
Oh no, I dont trust any of those over the counter things. They're dangerous and have killed people. And my weight gain wasn't severe enough to put me on any prescription weight loss drugs or anything.1 -
It really sounds like you’re grinding your teeth...probably when you sleep
By chance are you chewing a lot of gum to offset cravings? Because that totally makes my mouth hurt. Are you doing anything like weights? I see a lot of people clenching their jaw when they start pushing themselves with something heavy (even just body weight).
Glad you’re willing to go to the dentist to get to the bottom of it all!3
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