#1

Whenever I start taking Rapamycin (have tried 2mg/week and 4mg/week) I get a gum infection. One time I got a skin infection also. I stop the Rapamycin upon getting infection and taking antibiotics, the infection goes away. But if I start Rapamycin again, I get another infection. Any ideas on what to do?

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#2

Have you had a deep cleaning done at the dentist? Itā€™s also known as scaling and root planing. Itā€™s a technique used to get rid of plaque, tartar and bacteria below the gumline. That procedure may lessen the likelihood of oppurtunistic infection. And if you havenā€™t had the pocket depths checked, they could do that as well.

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#3

I havenā€™t had a cleaning in the last few months, thanks will do that. But I use a Waterpik Water Flosser and my teeth and gums are super clean.

#4

Is it important to stop the Rapamycin in case of an infection? Or can I continue taking it?

#5

Can you describe this gum infection? I just wonder if what you might be getting are canker sores.

#6

Just so you know, some people arrive at the dentist with little visible tartar, but have tartar and buildup below the gumline that you canā€™t see, and standard cleaning doesnā€™t help. Waterpik can help to prevent such buildup and remove some loose particles, but any fixed tartar in the pockets would need to be removed by the dentist. Depending on pocket depth, which they measure in each tooth with a special tool, it may or may not be necessary.

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#7

Definitely an infection. Itā€™s under the gum behind the last molar on the top left side. Pressing on it yields smelly pus/fluid.

#9

Thatā€™s just not enough, you need to use interdental brushes where possible

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#10

Funnily enough Iā€™m on only my second week of rapa and am seeing the opposite effect. Iā€™ve had gum disease for years. Couldnā€™t get rid of it. Until now. Itā€™s totally gone. Zero bleeding when I floss for first time since I can remember. Must be the rapa.

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#11

Lower the dose, increase time in between doses.

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#12

Thatā€™s interesting. What dose have you been taking?

#13

2mg first week. 4mg the second. Will be staying at 4mg. Like the idea of fully clearing it from my body before next dose.

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#14

Yes, it is.

Many people have seen this occuring.

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#15

Iā€™ve tried everything - 2mg dose, 4mg dose, 6mg dose, weekly, every two weeks, etc. Always wind up with gum infection. Now planning to try Doxycycline along with Rapa.

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#16

Might be the answer :wink:.
I take Doxycycline 100 mg with my rapamycin pills. Great overall.

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#17

Itā€™s interesting. I do not have gum infections (on Rapa for 13 years), however I have a few friends who do and they have never been on Rapa.

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#18

Gum infections become more prevalent with age. I use water pik after each meal, floss after that, and brush twice a day. I also like to rinse with Xylitol + baking soda.

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#19

I suspect I might have an embedded infection in that gum (the infection happens at the same spot every time) and it never goes away, and whenever I take Rapamycin it flares up.

I do use Waterpik and I floss and brush twice a day and use Listerine. I will try Xylitol and baking soda.

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#20

Iā€™ve found xylitol really helpful. I havenā€™t had any gum infections since being on rapamycin but I did use xylitol, listerine and closys mouthwash in addition to brushing (twice a day) to get my oral health in check several years ago. Thereā€™s also xylitol gum you can chew after meals when youā€™re on the go and canā€™t brush right away.

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#21

Thanks, I already use sodium bicarbonate in my Waterpik, I may try adding xylitol as well, hadnā€™t thought of that.
Iā€™ve tried xylitol chewing gum but I find any chewing gum sticks to my dental plate.

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