Gum overgrowth from meds. Gum recession from seizures?

[elizzza811]

Maybe this is just a 'coincidence', but several years ago when these seizures really kicked in bad, I didn't just notice my bottom front teeth being sawed flat from the constant clenching and grinding...I also noticed that my gums along those very teeth on the bottom began to recede badly. Here is a pic:

http://postimage.org/image/175yi3750/

Given the fact that some seizure meds can cause gum tissue overgrowth, and that my #1 symptom is this relentless, unwillful, uncontrollable, day and night clenching and grinding of my teeth, is it possible this gum tissue recession is also somehow related to my seizures? Perhaps because when I clench, blood flow to the gums in hindered? Or is it the electrical activity itself? I seriously feel a strange sensation in my lower jaw/gums 24/7, but only in these damaged areas...the gums around my bottom molars and all other bottom teeth where this sensation isn't felt are fine.

In a way, I kind of want to go on one on the meds that can cause gum tissue overgrowth, just so that I can get my old healthy gums back.

And what about the 24/7 clenching? Could these be simple partials? I found this article, and it appears so...?

Rhythmic teeth grinding induced by temporal lobe seizures.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15210903

And if they are simple partial seizures, why didn't they show up definitively on either of my EEGs?...I was clenching during both of them and the technician actually scolded me for clenching because it was interfering with the EEG. I even told her I couldn't help it?

[elizzza811]

One more question...

...with regards to the relentless clenching and grinding of my teeth, would an EMG be able to 'prove' this symptom is seizure-related and not merely stress-related? I ask because the study I posted above (Rhythmic teeth grinding induced by temporal lobe seizures) states this...

Electromyographic and autonomic features of seizure-related teeth grinding support the interpretation of this motor phenomenon as a particular form of masticatory activity.

[Day]

Dilantin caused excessive overgrowth of gums, and my dentist said if it continued, I'd have to get my gums clipped. That just sounds painful.

It also caused the skin to grow over the nails on my toes, causing ingrown toenails. For anyone who's had them, they know that's no joke. Thankfully, these side effects have gotten better.

[elizzza811]

Wow, that sounds horrible. I didn't realize it was that bad. Are you still on Dilantin?

[Day]

Yeah, but not having those side effects anymore. At least, not that bad.

[BuckeyeFan]

To me, this sounds more like myoclonic seizures vs partials. They are generally more twitching of the muscles, but I guess clinching of the jaw muscles would be possible.

I have been on dilantin for 29+ years with no gum problems. I count myself lucky there.

[elizzza811]

I do have 'drop attack' seizures, where the 'power' will suddenly go out of one leg (my left), causing me to nearly fall.

And this past week I had an event in which my right calf muscle twitched all day long, and this twitching could be felt (by hand) and seen. Aren't these myoclonics?

No gum problems for you though?

[neil129]

Hi ellizzza 8111,
I dont mean to go off your thread but its not my much,i used to get my lips swelling up when i was on Epanutin,when i look at photos from back then it looks hellish,they went back to normal when i changed meds,i would certainley prefer that to gum clippin though.
neil

[BuckeyeFan]

And this past week I had an event in which my right calf muscle twitched all day long, and this twitching could be felt (by hand) and seen. Aren't these myoclonics?

No gum problems for you though?

Yes, that muscle twitching could be myoclonics. It could also come from electrolyte imbalances (low on potassium for example) or as a side effect of some meds. I was having them before leaving keppra for lamictal.

Still doing OK on the dilantin with no gum issues. My neurologist and dentist have always watched out for it, but no issues.

[gigi]

been on it now for a little over 30 years. Like Buckeye, no gum problems. Twitchy eyes and hands tremble some. My left leg does the two step by itself some. I do the teeth grinding, and wear a night guard. My jaws are in continual spasms, which creeps into my neck and shoulders too. The teeth grinding just seems to be part of my existence, I have relentlessly tried to find a way to reduce it to no avail. Gave up caffeine, relaxation tapes, etc... So I went back to caffeine, since it did not help to eliminate the grinding anyway! Intensive exercise helps, which I do bout 4 hours a week.

[elizzza811]

My jaws are in continual spasms, which creeps into my neck and shoulders too.

Gosh, your symptoms sound identical to mine. Maybe going on a medication that causes gum overgrowth would be helpful to me?...since mine are receding so badly?