RA and issues with teeth

StevieB

I have RA and take injected methotrexate once a week and hydroxychloroquine twice a day. Recently I have had to have a decayed tooth removed and getting pain with some of my other teeth . Does anyone else get problems like this

SNapCrackle_Pop

I'm newly diagnosed with RA and Sjogren's. I've been on Hydroxychloroquine for the last year and now methotrexate. I take so much care of my teeth, I floss, brush, and use interdental brushes. Yet I have experienced tooth pain leading to an extraction, unusually high amounts of fillings needed and worse still, random tooth crumbling. I have spoken with my dentist and they have prescribed high flouride toothpaste to strengthen the teeth. It reduces cavities and pain. My teeth hurt after each methotrexate dose, day 2 I'd say....Perhaps ask your dentist for advice?

frogmorton

Have a read of this:

https://nras.org.uk/resource/gum-disease/

It's NRAS so a reliable source.

Toni x

Splodge

It may be nothing to do with the medication and just a coincidence. I've had awful teeth issues on and off since years before RA. Even with good oral hygiene we can be victims of random tooth-related nastiness.

Poppyjane

Hi @SNapCrackle_Pop , a belated welcome to the online community

It is great to see a new member offering support on their first post. That illustrates what our community is all about - supporting each other whist we cope with the challenges of living with arthritis. The article mentioned by @Frogmorton is an interesting read and has provoked some useful discussions. Also the V A information provided about Sjogren's mentions the potential for mouth problems.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/sjoegrens-syndrome/

You are wisely following the advice of your dentist and using a sensitive toothpaste. I attach an old but still relevant discussion between some members on the subject

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/464933#Comment_464933

Do join us again soon we look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes

Poppyjane

jamieA

Hi @StevieB

I take sulfasalazine, MTX tablets and adalimumab biologic injections. About a year after starting these treatments I had 3 separate instances of pieces of different teeth breaking off. I look after my teeth brushing and mouthwash at least twice a day. My dentist reckoned it may be due to the drugs I take - I also take 3 heart drugs. Like @SNapCrackle_Pop my dentist prescribed high flouride toothpaste - 2800ppm flouride. It's prescription only medication so you can't buy it over the counter. I ran out of it last month and I can't get an appointment with my dentist until May. However the receptionist said although it's prescription only medication the dental practice can sell it. It was £10 for a 75ml tube!