Rheumatoid Arthritis and Your Teeth: What You Should Know (2023)

FAQs

How does rheumatoid arthritis affect teeth? ›

The effects of rheumatoid arthritis

In addition to general health complications, RA can cause you to develop serious oral conditions, such as: Gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that causes swollen and tender gums. Periodontitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the bone and tissue supporting the teeth.

Hot and cold cereals are good options. They are quick ways to get a serving of fiber-full whole grains that can help reduce inflammation. While oatmeal may be your go-to grain, there are several nutritious cereals made from corn, brown rice, quinoa, hemp, buckwheat and kamut.

Although there isn't a cure, it can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. While RA affects the joints, many people with the condition are still candidates for dental implants; however, every situation differs.

Sjogren's Syndrome is one of the most common autoimmune diseases that affect dental health.

Nuts are rich in fiber — healthy fats, and nutrients like magnesium — and are smart additions to a rheumatoid arthritis diet.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter also contains resveratrol, which can ease joint pain in arthritis by reducing inflammation and protecting cartilage.

Citrus foods, such as oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and limes, are rich in vitamin C, and are also good sources of inflammation-fighting antioxidants, which are beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Three years later, methotrexate won FDA approval for treating RA, and it soon became the treatment of choice for people with this condition and other forms of inflammatory arthritis as well. About 90% of RA patients use methotrexate at some point.

How do you calm a rheumatoid arthritis flare up? ›

Saturated fats – Traditional American diet staples such as pizza, red meat and pasta dishes can contain saturated fats, which can lead to arthritis inflammation.

In general, avoid soda since it can be full of sugar, aspartame and phosphoric acid. The latter can negatively affect your body's ability to absorb calcium. Water can get a bit boring, but there are other ways to stay healthy and hydrated.

The end stage of RA means that most of the tissue that was formerly inflamed has been destroyed, and bone erosion has occurred. The affected joints stop functioning and patients experience pain and severe loss of mobility.

Hand-held flosser tools work well for flossing with arthritis. Hand-held flossers range in size from the smaller “interdental” flossers, to flossers with long handles and disposable flossing ends. Another way to replace the string altogether is an electric flosser that uses water or mouthwash to blast the plaque away.

People with gingivitis, periodontist or any other form of gum disease cannot have dental implants. This is because this condition destroys the gums and the bone beneath. As a result, too much bone loss leads to lack of sufficient bone for the implant to attach. Dentists often suggest treating gum diseases first.

One example of this is root resorption, which is an inflammatory process where the body's own cells attack and destroy the dentin and cementum of the teeth. Left unchecked, this process can result in serious damage to teeth, which may even result in the need for extraction.

A study conducted at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center found that gum disease and tooth loss are more prevalent in people who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Another syndrome that is known to hinder oral health is Sjögren's syndrome. This syndrome can be seen in people who have rheumatic diseases.

Is popcorn good for people with rheumatoid arthritis? ›

* Popcorn. Great for "movie nights,' popcorn's antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties also make it a good anytime snack. * Nuts and Seeds. Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds all contain vitamin E, which can help reduce joint pain and cramps.

Myth: Dairy Makes RA Worse

You don't have to cut milk, cheese, or yogurt from your diet. There's not much evidence that your joints will feel better if you skip those foods. And keep in mind that some RA meds put you at greater risk for osteoporosis, so you don't want to miss out on dairy's bone-building benefits.

Whole grain rice is a better choice for people with arthritis for many reasons, including the ability to fight inflammation. Refined grains have very little nutritional value and can worsen inflammation throughout the body.

Go With the Grain

Whole grains lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. CRP is a marker of inflammation associated with heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Foods like oatmeal, brown rice and whole-grain cereals are excellent sources of whole grains.

Sweet Potatoes

The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes has been shown to fight inflammation, and eating them regularly can help ease joint pain and other symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Berries. From strawberries and blackberries to cranberries and blueberries, these gemlike fruits are particularly potent in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Heart disease should be considered a serious cause for concern among people with RA, even those who've yet to reach middle age.

Several studies have shown that saturated fats trigger adipose (fat tissue) inflammation, which is not only an indicator for heart disease but it also worsens arthritis inflammation. Pizza and cheese are the biggest sources of saturated fats in the average American diet, according to the National Cancer Institute.

How should you sleep with rheumatoid arthritis? ›

Elevate Your Legs and Find the Right Position

It can be helpful to slide a pillow under your knees, if you sleep on your back, to alleviate pressure on knee joints, hips, and back while you sleep. If you're a side sleeper, place a pillow or two between your knees, advises the Arthritis Foundation.

The newest drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which are FDA approved under the brand names Rinvoq, Olumiant, and Xeljanz.

Researchers think it's caused by a combination of genetics, hormones and environmental factors. Normally, your immune system protects your body from disease. With rheumatoid arthritis, something triggers your immune system to attack your joints. An infection, smoking or physical or emotional stress may be triggering.

Is Arthritis a Disability? Simply being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis does not qualify you for disability. However, if your ability to work is greatly affected or impaired by your condition, then with the proper documentation, you may be entitled to SSA disability benefits.

Take breaks before you become too exhausted. Get to bed early, take naps and learn relaxation techniques. Avoid going out at busy times of the day, for instance when you go shopping or on a trip. Talk with others about your disease so that they can better understand how it affects you.

Take the longer way to a meeting in your office. Balancing activity with rest. It's important to try to stay physically active even during a flare, but rest is also especially important when RA is active and joints feel painful, swollen or stiff. Rest helps reduce inflammation and fatigue that can come with a flare.

Soaking for 15 to 20 minutes in a warm bath allows the weight-bearing muscles to relax. A warm shower can also help lessen the stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis.

Citrus fruits cause inflammation

Some people believe that they should avoid citrus fruits because the acidity is inflammatory.

Anti-inflammatory foods

green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards. nuts like almonds and walnuts. fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.

1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.

Is Hamburger good for rheumatoid arthritis? ›

Processed and red meats

The study in 217 people with RA mentioned above also found that red meat commonly worsened RA symptoms. Additionally, a study in 25,630 people determined that high red meat intake may be a risk factor for inflammatory arthritis ( 2 , 7 ).

Added sugars

But studies show that they can be especially harmful to people with arthritis. Soda, candy, ice cream and condiments all contain added sugars and should be avoided when possible. One study showed that foods with added sugars were the most likely to worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Wheat products — like pasta, bread, crackers, and bagels — may spell trouble for your joints, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis. The reason? Wheat contains gluten, a protein that can irritate and aggravate arthritic joints.

Berries are rich in antioxidants and the Arthritis Foundation notes that blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and boysenberries all provide arthritis-fighting power.

Pineapple also helps relieve joint pain because it has a compound called bromelain. Bromelain is an effective pain reliever for people who have osteoarthritis. It can also reduce the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

RA can affect the jaw, just as it can affect any other joint in the body, and it is estimated that in more than 17% of patients with RA, the jaw joint is affected.

Tooth decay.

Many autoimmune conditions result in a decrease in saliva if the immune system attacks the salivary glands. Saliva helps to rinse the teeth and control bacteria population in the mouth, so less of it means you're more prone to tooth decay.

Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Inflammation in the gums is linked to several different autoimmune disorders, including lupus, Crohn's disease, and scleroderma, among others. Gingivitis is a condition in which gums are inflamed and red; it's a precursor to gum disease.

One study found that if you have RA, you are twice as likely to have gum disease as those without it. Another study found that 65% of people with RA also had gum disease, compared to only 28% of people without RA. In both studies, experts found that the severity of periodontal disease was also worse in people with RA.

How do you treat rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw? ›

Anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to treat jaw pain from RA. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Aleve (naproxen) and Advil (ibuprofen) help reduce swelling and jaw pain.

Arthritis can cause painful, swollen knees or fingers that are impossible to ignore. But other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes and lungs can also be affected.

Chemotherapy treatments – Chemotherapy medications, like methotrexate, can lead to inflammation of the inside lining of your mouth and result in tooth decay.

Oral Lichen Planus: This oral autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks the mucous membranes inside your mouth, according to The Mayo Clinic. It will appear as lacy white patches, sometimes accompanied by painful sores on the lining of the cheeks, tongue, and gums.

Research has linked oral health problems such as periodontal or gum disease to many health conditions, including diabetes, heart and kidney disease, Alzheimer's, asthma, osteoporosis, and cancer.

Autoimmune diseases often cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the body, which includes those in the mouth. When blood vessels in the gums are damaged, there is an increased risk of gum disease. The support structure for the teeth can also start to deteriorate as a result.

Tooth decay was present in 100% of people with active lupus disease and 85% of people with inactive lupus – possibly due to reduced salivary flow or dry mouth, a common development of lupus. People with lupus exhibit more tooth loss than healthy population.

Viruses may also play a role in triggering RA. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with RA, on average, have higher levels of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis) than the general population. The Epstein-Barr virus isn't the only virus suspected as an infectious agent in RA.

RA mainly attacks the joints, usually many joints at once. RA commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. In a joint with RA, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing damage to joint tissue.