Hi, has anyone found they are having teething problems!Since having RA, I find my teeth seem extra sensitive.

[Jan66]

Had a crown a little while ago, and 2 big fillings - just went to dentist and now need another crown £550 and a filling £175 - can hardly believe it.

Any ideas?

Hope all you guys are bearing up ok,

Jan

Forgot to say I am 64

[Judi]

Hi Jan,

My teeth are crumbling to bits - don't know if it's age related (62) or because of the meds. I've had RA for about 20 years and been on meds. for all that time and the last couple of years small bits of teeth just break off. I do think that I had an over enthusiastic dentist when I was in my late teens - every 6 months I needed at least one filling - when I stopped seeing him I didn't need any fillings for years even though I had just had my 2 children but of course this is hindsight and guesswork..

Judi

[eve5]

teeth - you forget you've got them until you start getting problems!

Since diagnosis I have tried to be even more attentive to my gnashers - using corsodyl toothpaste (it takes some getting used to) and mouthwash. Even so, had a really bad pain on chewing on one side for about two months a few months back. X-rays showed nothing, so I put it down to this bleep disease. I feel for you jan apart from the expense, teeth problems make you feel a bit decrepit.

Must have had the same dentist as you judi as I really regret leaving it so long to say no to new fillings at every visit!!

[Hidden]

Hello Jan, i too have this problem - I have had more problems with my teeth in the last year than ever before. They are not just sensitive but they feel very fragile. I am always worried about eating hard fruit as i think its going to break my molars. LIke Eve, i have found jaw pain a real problem. I don't know if it is the medication or the disease but my teeth have definetly got worse since diagnosis.

[Hidden]

Hi Jan,

I have found my teeth have gone through phases of being sensitive over the last year, I just switch to sensodyne until they feel better - usually the full tube so probably a couple months. My dentist said he thinks it is down to me grinding/clenching my teeth when I'm sore, i had never done this before I had RA and do it more in my sleep.

Had a mouth guard made which definitely helps me. Maybe get the dentist to check for signs of grinding?

Good luck x

[Jan66 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks to all who answered my teething problems.

The mouth guard thing sounds good as is using sensydine BUT as with all these problems that comes with R. A. It is just another bloody thing to cope with! And I am well and truly fed up with it all.

I will be extremely cross if it is down to the MTX as no-one even mentioned it could be a problem.

So WHY isn't it mentioned and why aren't we referred to an NHS dentist?

Ok no more ranting but feel better for doing so,

X to all, Jan

[PattiB]

I had terrible problems with teeth and gums when I was first diagnosed. I was taking methotrexate then, had to see hygenist every six weeks to avoid losing teeth due to swelling. Once they took me off methotrexate it all stopped. Might be your medication, I would check.

[Breege]

Sadly yes, mine have become sensitive and now I have galloping gum disease as well, caused I am told by the steroids, although my RA Consultantant does not agree. Perhaps it is my age 53, anyway I am £1000 poorer as a result !

[Tiasteph]

Hi

this is so interesting! I'm not on MTX but my teeth are super sensitive (were before RA but much worse now) Also mine are on the move! Not lots but if they keep going it won't be a good look!

Never had fillings until these last few yrs. Had RA for 13 yrs. Perhaps it's all the steroids.

I did get some expensive toothpaste from the dentist called duraphat, that did help with the sensitivity.

I now use Sensodyne Pronamel but only buy it on offer.