RA and (periodontitis)gum disease 😱

[Mybirthday1975]

morning all!

So yesterday I went to the dentist because a large filling on a back tooth that I’ve had for many years fell out!when I got there the dentist popped a temporary one in and he did some X-rays he then said I have periodontitis gum disease 😱with bone loss he said to start with I need to have a deep clean he said I have lovely teeth that are pure white but my gums are no good😟any one else have any problems with teeth/gums etc with RA I’m quite worried

Thanks

[helixhelix]

There is a link between gum health and RA, but usually the other way round. In that poor gum health can trigger flares rather than RA causing poor gum health.

Gum disease (PD) is very common!

However an article that reviewed research on this concluded “that there is a correlation between PD and RA, since both disorders have characteristics in common and result from an imbalance in the immunoinflammatory response.”

[vonniesims]

I had a similar experience. Havent had the deep clean as am not convinced it is not a money making exercise, but maybe I should

[Fruitandnutcase]

Well, I’m a lot older than you are but I think I probably would have problems if I didn’t visit my hygienist every three months for a scale and polish. To me it’s worth the money.

In between I use an OralB iO toothbrush twice a day and also floss with TePe interdental brushes every day although I have now discovered a thing called a Sulcabrush that does the same sort of thing plus I have a Waterpik that I use too. It’s a lot of work but worth it because I want to keep my teeth as long as I can and even though they aren’t the most beautiful teeth in the world, they are all mine and good gum health is the way to go.

[Hidden in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

I just finished writing my reply, then saw yours. I do the same as you. Waterpick , interdental brushes, hygienist every 3 months, etc but , I had not heard of a Sulcabrush. I will certainly try one and it is on my list to buy today. Thank you.

[helixhelix in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Snap! Apart from the sulcabrush which I’ve not heard of.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to helixhelix]

It’s a funnily little thing and I think it’s probably better than the TeePee brushes. I like how you rub it along the gum between each ‘gap’.

oraldent.co.uk/product/sulc....

[Pulfs in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

I do the same as you as my teeth aren’t very strong 🦷

[Hidden]

Helixhelix is spot on. I suffer too. I see a dental hygienist every 3 months due to PD. I have an excellent gum care routine, and play my part, but despite this, my gums bleed. Researchers have found a link as helixhelix says in an imbalance of the immunoinflammatory response. They have also identified a bacteria in the mouth and the bowel, linked to PD, that some people with RA, have a greater concentration of. I had deep gum treatment before lockdown, which was expensive and only offered privately. It helped a bit for a while. However depite doing all I can, the pockets are back. If I have a flair up of gum or bowel inflammation my RA is worse. I have discussed it with my dentist and rheumatologist who agree and acknowledge the link. However, as far as I understand. they say that they don't know how to eliminate this specific bacteria , apart a deep clean.If only they could eliminate this specific bacteria completely. From comments on other posts here. not everyone with RA has PD.

[Portinatx17]

Sorry but yes I have the same problem nd over past 11 years , have lost 5 teeth! Have you had a bone scan as I requested one from Gp and showed start of Osteoporosis. I am now on meds for this. RA does bring a lot of other issues with it and should be called disease and not arthritis. Good luck x

[tyncwmmarchhywel in reply to Portinatx17]

Hi Portinatx Is your med., for osteoporosis in tablet form .... A. Acid or an infusion. thank you.

[Portinatx17 in reply to tyncwmmarchhywel]

I am on Adcal D3 tab plus Zolendronic acid infusion once a year for 3 years. I take extra Vit D3 with vit K2 on advice of RA Dr x

[Gilliancheche]

In addition to the advice given above my dentist also recommended I use Duraphat toothpaste. It is prescription only I think. Just use once a day and don't rinse after.

[Sheila_G]

I had exactly the same thig happen and the same things said to me but he didn't give it a name or suggest that it was caused by RA or mxt. I just thought it was age. He has fixed the problem so that's ok. Helixhelix's post is very interesting.

[kormacurry]

Hi, my rheumatologist said that although there is a link between RA and gum issues, what they think makes my gums worse is the immune suppressant drugs I am taking for RA as its harder for me to fight the gum infections - just thought it might be useful to share that. I will look into some of the great ideas to help improve my gum/teeth cleaning routines. Thanks everyone

[KathleenMary]

I suffer from scleroderma and Raynaud's,also following on from a broken hip a year ago I am now on Alendronic acid for osteoporosis I do my best but have recently lost 5 teeth,spent a fortune seeing if I could have implants.. I could but would need to have bone augmentation,so now have dentures☹️

Inspite of using all the right brushes and interdental brushing,mouth washes and toothpaste purchased from dentist+ visiting a hygienist every three months--& I still have real gum problems.

So many meds it's hard to decide which causes what... But I do know they aren't all good for your teeth and gums