dental health

helend
helend Member Posts: 35
edited 8. Nov 2010, 17:51 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi This is a question That is always at the back of my mind but until now I was too embarassed to ask.Did I get RA because of my fear of dentists and reluctance to attend the dentist.I take really good care of my teeth brushing,mouthwashes etc.But i have to confess it has been 10 years or more since I last attended the dentist.
I read somewhere there is a connection between RA and poor dental health. :oops: helend

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    RA is caused by an over-active immune system (which makes the body attack itself for want of anything better to do) hence the immune system suppressant drugs that people take. Poor oral health plays no part in it. I hope your bruises are disappearing - did you ever find out what was behind them? DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • janie68
    janie68 Member Posts: 1,186
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello

    Peeps with RA can be more susceptible to gum disease due to meds. But it sounds as though you take good care of your mouth so it would be unlikely.

    The only infection that I'm aware of is when you wouldn't know about is AUG, but people would be aware due to bad breath so you'd find out in the end!

    Don't worry, there are dentists now that are very good with nervous peeps, I should think so with the prices they charge!

    I used to be a dental nurse in my 20's so managed to pick up some info. Janie :)
  • alarkra
    alarkra Member Posts: 213
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00

    Hi!

    My Mum is a dental nurse too. RA has no connection with oral health. It IS recommended that you go to the dentist once a year for a check up as they can spot tooth/gum problems before they get out of hand etc, so it really is worth the money just to have a peace of mind - please don't wait until you have tooth ache before you go! :o:wink: I myself would rather go for a check up and know that everything is fine as I have enough problems with my body hurting elsewhere all the time, so if I can minimise having other problems, I'm all for it! :D
  • helend
    helend Member Posts: 35
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dreamdaisy wrote:
    RA is caused by an over-active immune system (which makes the body attack itself for want of anything better to do) hence the immune system suppressant drugs that people take. Poor oral health plays no part in it. I hope your bruises are disappearing - did you ever find out what was behind them? DD

    Hi Thanks for asking not heard yet from my doctor.I will take that as a good sign.Hope you are well.Helend :)
  • bubbles
    bubbles Member Posts: 6,508
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Helen, as others have said, this is not something that I have ever come across, read about, or recall in my nursing career. RA is an auto immune response, as has been said. It is not like the links between dental problems and certain heart conditions. XX Bubbles
    XX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi - I've only just sen this.

    Although I agree with most of the info in the other posts, I would add that those of us who take Methotrexate (MTX) and other DMARDs which lower the immune system, are advised to visit a dentist regularly, and to advise the dentist of all medication which is taken.

    I know that my use of MTX has lead me to be more susceptible to mouth ulcers and gum problems, which have necessitated a change in the way the dentist treats me (using less invasive and harsh treatment around my gums, and hand polishing rather than using the machine) and I have also received extra advice on how best to care for my teeth and gums.

    I would advise anyone who is concerned to speak to their dentist and to make sure that their dentist is fully aware of all the meds that you take, and have taken recently.

    WOnky

Categories