A gradual decline

[Eiram50]

I've noticed, in the past year or so a gradual decline in my teeth, so to speak , particularly since beginning biologics. Does AS or RA affect the teeth or maybe the medications we take? Has anyone experienced/ noticed this?

[Philip]

I had this many years ago but mine was caused by fibromyalgia, in the end I was in so much pain from the sensertivity I had the bleeding lot out and if they trouble me now I take them out and put them on the sideboard and I say to them ache now ya bstards, lol, I don't think there is much pain to that of toothy ache.

Good luck I hope ya sorted very soon

Philip

[Eiram50 in reply to Philip]

That made me smile - thank you. I don't ( to my knowledge) have fibro but I've never really suffered with my teeth/ gums before so just feeling like it's all connected? Having said this, it may be as simple as I don't brush the same way due to my hands being always swollen and my fingers so mis shaped - kinda makes things harder? Again, thanks for your reply.

[ruth_p in reply to Eiram50]

Have you thought about changing to an electric toothbrush. Much easier on the hands and wrists. Also they clean better. X

[Eiram50]

Hi Ruth

I have an electric tooth brush and sometimes use it. Whilst i know they do clean your teeth far better, I struggle a bit with it as i feel my teeth/ mouth feels cleaner when brushing with a regular toothbrush ?! Maybe I need to persevere with the electric.

Thank you for your reply and suggestion .

[Hidden in reply to Eiram50]

WaterPiks are great too for the teeth and gums... They get plaque out and any debris left by a brush - I love mine with a little Hydrogen Peroxide to clean it well..

[Matalow]

Hi Marie, your right ,I see my dentist 4 times a year for a deep clean as I have trouble flossing with my hands. My teeth and gums have deteriorated not sure if it's the RA or the meds. I use electric and angle it at 45 degrees ,that helps the gums.

Hope you've got over Xmas ! Just new year to go .

Regards Mike

[oldtimer]

I've found some angled little brushes for cleaning between my teeth (as well as using a small electric brush). These brushes make it easier to clean the little bits that get stuck as I cannot manage floss.

I do have the teeth cleaned professionally by the dental hygienist (sp?) four times a year and since I've been using the brushes she thinks I'm keeping them much cleaner.

[dtech in reply to oldtimer]

They are tee pee brushes (or similar). You can get them in different sizes to go between different teeth. I have just switched to vision interdental perio brushes as they ar angled so easier to use on back teeth. You can get them on Amazon quite cheap. The other thing you can use, as someone suggested above is the water jet type. They shoot water (I use mouthwash in the tank) between the teeth, which cleans debris and also what is known as the 'pockets', which is where the gums wrap around the crown of the teeth. Ask your dentist and they will explain. You may have noticed your dentist going round your gum line with a probe like thing and muttering numbers to their nurse😃. Well that's what they are checking. The smaller the depth of pocket, the healthier the gums and teeth are. Here endenth the lecture😉

[scorpiojack]

Hi, yes I have the same problem I think! I am on my 4th Bio injection and I have two fillings that are playing up. They have become very sensitive to cold or sugary foods, and I have a bit of pain with them. I wasn't sure whether they were just in need of replacement as they are old ones, or whether it was something to do with the drugs? I have a dental appointment in early January so will see what they say.

[Gretchy]

I have had major problems with my teeth from gum erosion, sensitivity and nerves playing up. My teeth are in great condition and super clean the dentist says. She puts it down to the RA. I would recommend an electric toothbrush they don't just clean better they tell you if you're pressing too hard which also causes erosion

[Philip]

A bit of string and an American, tie string around the toothy peg and then give it a yank.

Sorted.

[Multijo]

You may be seeing problems due to saliva Do you know if you might also have sjogruns syndrome? I do as do many folks with RA. I get frequent floried treatments from dentist with frequent cleanings. I also use lozenges and spray that help me maintain not just saliva but good saliva in my mouth to combat the decay constant dry mouth can cause.

The pain still there but I feel like I am combating the speed of decay.

good luck

[Eiram50]

I've no ide whether I have this in addition to AS and RA- it's certainly never come up but as time goes on, o feel much more sensitivity and pIn in my mouth, for sure .

Thank you for your suggestions. I may speak to dentist re good mouthwash etc.

[dtech in reply to Eiram50]

Cordosyl mouth wash is about the best on the market. It's what most dentists recommend. Tastes disgusting, but it's good 😂

[dtech]

Oh and PLEASE, whatever you do, DO NOT! Have your teeth out thinking it will solve your problems by having dentures.

[Eiram50 in reply to dtech]

The thought would never cross my mind dtech! Thank you everyone for all the advice.

[dtech in reply to Eiram50]

Excellent. I have made a very good living making dentures. The clue is in my online name😉. So it May seem strange advice from me, but true.

[Eiram50 in reply to dtech]

Advice I will very gladly heed - thank you.

[AllyWelshDragon]

Yes, I've had sensitive teeth since starting MTX. I just use sensitive toothpaste and that helps a bit. If I go back to ordinary toothpaste my teeth are painful again right away. I had the dentist check my teeth but there was nothing amiss.

Ally x

[Padram]

rheumatoidarthritis.net/liv...

nras.org.uk/jaw-problems

Hi, thought this might clear some doubts.

[Eiram50 in reply to Padram]

That is so helpful padram, thank you .

[Carol41]

I was in hospital last year for 6 months in which time I was very ill and my teeth were neglected. Now they are stained, gums receded and dentine damaged. My dentist has said that veneers are the only option now. I use a tepee to clean between the teeth and an electric brush with anti sensitive paste in an attempt to minimise any future damage. I don't know if the damage has been caused by the RA but it's there now. My mouth is very sore, I blame the methotrexate and other drugs for this. I use dry mouth gel. eye drops and nose sprays but am very uncomfortable and don't enjoy eating. Any comments or/and advice would be appreciated.

[Eiram50 in reply to Carol41]

That sounds very difficult for you carol41. I do wonder about this - my rheumatologist id consider very good but I do have an overwhelming sense that his main priority is the damage to my joints etc and he all but trivialises anything else ?

To me, it would have been helpful to know that the condition. Or the drugs we take can affect teeth, gums etc as prevention has surely got to be better ( and more cost effective!) than cure?!

I know I haven't offered you any real advice in terms of your post but I do hope things get better for you soon.

[Carol41]

Thanks Eiram, good to know there is someone there. wishing you well Carol xxx