Beware mouth ulcers... RA meds or just RA?

[Brushwork]

2 years ago while taking Leflunomide (though it may not have been the cause), I suffered 2 massive ulcers in my gums. They didn't heal and broke through to bone. These have still not healed though they are not painful, just exposed bone is not ideal. They are both beneath my partial denture...

I finally had a follow up face to face with the Maxillofacial consultant on Monday. He is suggesting an operation that drills out the surface of the bone till it bleeds and then hoping that promotes healing, but it's an unknown. Not sure I want to go there. My alternative is to hibernate for a month or two without my denture (looks hideous - wouldn't be seen dead - such vanity haha), to see if that works, no guarantee. The consultant is a bit baffled by the cause and the fact it hasn't healed on its own. I haven't had a single mouth ulcer since I started the Tocilizumab??

All of this is complicated by having Sjogrens - my healing saliva is pretty scarce. I am worrying about it - it is a dilemna that's hurting my head.

Oh the joys.

At least the Tocilizumab is keeping the RA at bay.

Go gently, good people who take the time to read posts and contribute to this group

[rabbits65]

Good morning to you Brushwork, I am so sorry to hear about your poor mouth. I would just like to wish you all the best and hope that you get better very soon.

[Marionfromhappydays]

That sounds so sore, RA has alot to be responsible for doesn't it. Horrible you've had to go through this.

Personally if it was me I probably would go for the removal of denture for a bit, it will make things uncomfortable but so would the drilling I guess;Plus with mask wearing if or when you go out it will be covered, you can wear a mask.

Which way are you swaying ?

[Madmusiclover]

Well I’m glad it’s not sore. I’d try without dentures as the least invasive approach first. X

[VeronicaF]

oh bless you,so unfair, lots of love and big hugs to you xxxxxxxxxx

[Summerrain14]

Ouch! These mouth ulcers sound so painful. I think I would opt for the not wearing dentures option first but that it easy for me to say as it is not me that is going through it and for so long too. Thinking of you and really do hope that the awful mouth ulcers start to heal. x

[Wobbies]

Oh how horrible. Yes, no dentures would be my choice. Thought the other day when I had some spots come up on my chin, it doesn't matter as people only see me with a mask on - hides a multitude of sins.

[medway-lady]

My husband who has lovely teeth got one knocked out ( by accident he wasn't punched lol) and had an implant sounds similar to that. Sounds a nasty operation though so my sympathies to you. I am at the dentist later this week for a check up first one in 18 months so no doubt he'll find something.

[springcross]

I would go for the hibernation for a month or two Brushwork, rather than the operation, that sounds quite unpleasant and as the MC said, it's only hoping it promotes healing. Hibernation definitely would be the easiest option for me. Good luck with whichever one you choose. x

[patsymay13]

I'm inclined to be with what others have said and go without your dentures its going to be tough which ever way you go , wishing you well xxxx

[Neonkittie17]

So sorry Brush to hear this. I just wanted to send you a big hug. As others have said, I would try not wearing the partial denture first. I had a gum ulcer for around 4 months a few years back last time I had a crown and the dentist said it was all the friction and attention that area was getting. It was coming outwards rather going inwards like yours. I hope that not wearing your denture allows it to get better soon. Healing wishes to you. xx

[janmary]

I do hope it settles soon - not sure Id be prepared for the experimental drill process!

[hatshepsut]

Hibernation sounds best.. I use dfflam mouthwash when I get mouth ulcers.......its MTX that causes mine. Difflam is very good, and clears them up quickly. Good luck! xx

[Brushwork]

Thank you all for the lovely, helpful and supportive comments.I will definitely try going without partial denture and hibernation first. The Sjogrens doesn’t help, but I hope leaving the ulcers exposed will promote healing. I will use a saline mouth wash too… 🤞 😩🥰