Tooth problems

Hi there. Has anyone had significant problems with their teeth alongside PMR, Pred and MTX? It may just be coincidence but I have had root canal on one molar 2 weeks ago and now in agony with molar on the other side! Thanks for any observations and replies.

[Hidden]

I have had trouble since being diagnosed with RA. Really healthy teeth prior to diagnosis but gum disease was creeping in. Now 4 years in major problems 7 root canals 6 this year alone ( covid and no dental care in lockdown played a part). RA and dental problems can go hand in hand .

[oldtimer]

It does seem that it's really important to look after your mouth health if you have Rheumatoid Disease. Getting gum infections is more common and, of course, if you do get a root infection then you are more likely to have a bad one.However, personally, I've found that with meticulous cleaning regularly I have avoided most problems.

[KittyJ]

No, sorry but I’ve not had to have any dental treatment since being diagnosed. I hope you get yours sorted out quickly.

[Mmrr]

My teeth and mouth in general have deteriorated significantly in the 4 and a half years since I've been unwell with RD. I've had 3 tooth extractions.I maintain good oral hygiene which helps to keep issues of blood blisters, mild inflammation, sore tongue and so on at bay.

The biggy for me is avoiding all sugar, even a wee sweet thing can bring on micro ulcers and mucositis almost instantaneously.

[MadBunny]

Sorry to hear you're getting problems- not nice☹️ I have problems with my gums - inflammation, bleeding, - which I understand can be the case with RA . I had some areas of concern as it looked like I was getting gum disease. With meticulous cleaning and a visit to the hygienist every 3 months, it seems to be keeping it all at bay. It is a lot of work though as it soon flares up again if I don't keep on top of it. I haven't had any significant problems to my teeth- they've never been great, and any necessary work like root canal has usually been where I have had old fillings.

[Neonkittie17]

My dentist told me that many people with RD have less saliva and that usually means more dental decay. The saliva washes away debris and stops plaque forming leading to decays. He also said oral steroids can play a part in tooth decay.

[Boxerlady in reply to Neonkittie17]

That's exactly what my dentist said - about the lack of saliva. He and the hygienist told me to try to increase my efforts with cleaning and try to keep keep my mouth moist by staying well-hydrated and by sucking sugar-free sweets; they said that they'd keep an eye on it and increase the frequency of hygienist appointments if necessary but so far my efforts are working 😊

[Hidden]

Thanks for all your replies. Yes, good dental hygiene is vital and of course too priority. I think perhaps it is a case of old fillings failing all at the same time as my gums are fine. Thank you for helping me to discern the problem. 😀😬

[charisma]

I changed to flouride free toothpaste and have enjoyed far better dental health since. If interested, Kingfisher brand do flouride free in mint or fennel, maybe more now. They also toothpaste with flouride so it’s easy to get the wrong tube! Worth considering.

So far so good for me in spite of immunocompriding drug infusions of Rituximab.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to charisma]

I don’t think Rtx made a difference to me either .. it’s the RA in general and less saliva I was told. Also I was recommended to go for extra fluoride (Durophat) but although I did for a while I haven’t lately. That’s a matter of preference as a lot of people don’t want to over fluoride themselves! xx

[charisma in reply to Neonkittie17]

Dentists always recommend flouride. I am doing far better minus it in toothpaste! xx

[bevlin]

I had really strong white teeth before going on to methotrexate . Twenty years later my teeth are discoloured and very weak, I’ve had four teeth removed when they broke and my others are awaiting the same fate……Don’t get me started on my finger and toe nails!

[Neonkittie17 in reply to bevlin]

I got a lovely rose oil cuticle nail brush pen I use for my finger and toe nails and it’s made them less dry and flaky instantly and smoother too. Lagunamoon. Body shop do an almond oil brush pen too.

[Brushwork]

Oh gosh. Yes. Be very careful with your mouth.

I have mucosal lesions resulting from mouth ulcers I didn't seek treatment for, though tried everything the pharmacy suggested. The holes in my gums are proving difficult to heal and I have yet another infection!

I am so, so careful about oral hygiene, mouth washes and cleaning after every meal, and don't touch sugar most of the time.

[ATSF]

Alendronicacid is the Med. that effects your jaw and loosens your teeth. i've recently had to stop taking it. My wife taked it alongside MTX and as no problems.

[MoniqueB]

Yes, I've had two tooth extractions and one root canal since diagnosis. It all came on at once! As others have pointed out, teeth issues and RA go hand-in-hand. That said, after my second extraction, a dentist prescribed me some Duraphat 2800 toothpaste and since then (knock wood), I haven't had any issues. I also brush my teeth for at least two minutes per session and am mindful to brush my gums while doing so. The dentist also recommended that I use TePe Easy Picks, which I do at least once a day.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to MoniqueB]

Those are what my dentist recommended too but the Durophat was higher spec. My Oral 4000 brush gently whirs/buzzes after 40 seconds to move to a different part of the mouth:teeth but I brush for 4 minutes easily anyhow.

[MoniqueB in reply to Neonkittie17]

I think I need to invest in an electric toothbrush - your Oral 4000 sounds great. I don't pay for the Durophat as it's prescribed to me.