Posted September 14, 2018
Lyme Disease in Plymouth MA: Prevention and Treatment
During the summer months of May and July in Massachusetts, Lyme disease is a very real concern especially for Northeastern outdoor enthusiasts, pet owners, and parents alike.
Spread by small black-legged ticks as small as a pin head, this bacterial disease can carry significant late-stage symptoms like arthritis, nerve and heart problems.
In the United States alone, doctors diagnose an estimated 300,000 people with Lyme disease annually.
It’s important that Plymouth area residents pay special attention to reduce their risk and diagnose the disease early to prevent adverse health outcomes.
You may not realize that your dentist can help. Here are some prevention and treatment guidelines for Lyme disease from the dental community.
Protect Yourself in Tick-prone Areas
Lyme Disease is prevalent in summer months in Massachusetts, especially in heavily wooded areas.
Follow these best practices for spending time outdoors:
- - Use a tick repellent, such as products containing DEET or the oil of lemon eucalyptus
- - Cover any exposed skin with long pants and long sleeves
- - Inspect yourself for any tick bites
- - Pet-friendly tick-repellent products like collars
Know that Lyme Bacteria Can Thrive in Teeth
Lyme bacteria can actually thrive in your teeth. The bacteria can be found in the dentin and the tiny tubules, where you can’t just brush the bacteria away. Some patients with unexplained tooth decay or cavities may find that they have been exposed to Lyme bacteria.
Dentists can test for Lyme through an examination. If Lyme is suspected, the dentist can refer you to a physician for antibiotics, often much earlier than if you waited until other symptoms develop. If the spirochetes have begun to damage gums or teeth, dentists may schedule a deep scaling or repair cavities as necessary to prevent further damage.
Head to the Dentist for Orofacial or TMJ Pain
If you have unexplained oral and facial pain, it’s important to visit your dentist to rule out any other cause. Inflammation and generalized pain in the orofacial area can be a symptom of Lyme disease, quickly ruling out other causes for the pain can help patients with a faster diagnosis.
If your dentist suspects Lyme disease, they will send you for further evaluation with a physician.
Get Treated Early
While you may have once put off scheduling your teeth cleaning appointment for a few more weeks, it’s important that if you’ve been exposed to Lyme disease, you get treated early. If not, you may experience later stage symptoms such as neurological impairment, facial paralysis, or heart problems. With early treatment, you can treat Lyme Disease with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pills.
One Round of Antibiotics May Not Be Enough
Sometimes one round of antibiotics is not enough to completely get rid of Lyme disease, especially if it has impacted your teeth. Your healthcare provider may prescribe another dose of medication or switch you to something stronger.
Lyme Disease is a real threat to Massachusetts residents. However, it is both preventable and treatable. By protecting yourself, actively monitoring and seeking early treatment, you can minimize this risk and enjoy the outdoors.
For more resources, check out:
Massachusetts state’s fact sheet on Lyme disease
Samoset Family Dental is a leading provider of dentistry services in the Plymouth area. Led by Dr. Jiangyun Sheng, we provide general and cosmetic dentistry services to a wide range of patients. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (508) 746-4456.