Can Arthritis Affect Your Teeth? What You Need to Know

The Arthritis-Dental Health Connection

Arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that can affect multiple systems in the body—including your mouth. Here’s how arthritis might be impacting your dental health:

1. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction

The jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) can be directly affected by arthritis, causing:

• Pain or tenderness when chewing
• Restricted jaw movement
• Clicking or grating sensations
• Difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth

When arthritis affects your TMJ, even basic oral hygiene routines can become painful, potentially leading to increased plaque buildup and subsequent dental issues.

2. Manual Dexterity Limitations

One of the most significant impacts of arthritis on dental health comes from decreased hand function:

• Difficulty holding and manipulating a toothbrush
• Challenges using dental floss effectively
• Trouble managing denture care or cleaning
• Inability to open medication bottles or toothpaste tubes

These limitations can lead to inadequate oral hygiene, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

3. Medication Side Effects

Many arthritis medications can have oral side effects:

• Dry mouth (xerostomia) from medications like NSAIDs and some pain relievers
• Increased infection risk from immunosuppressive treatments
• Gingival overgrowth (excessive gum tissue) from certain medications
• Delayed healing after dental procedures

Dry mouth is particularly concerning as it increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.

4. Direct Impact on Periodontal Health

Research has shown a bidirectional relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal (gum) disease:

• Both conditions involve similar inflammatory processes
• Patients with RA are more likely to develop severe periodontal disease
• The bacteria associated with gum disease may trigger autoimmune responses in some individuals

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When to Seek Specialized Dental Care

Consider reaching out to The Dental Anesthesia Center if you experience:

• Increasing difficulty maintaining oral hygiene due to arthritis
• Pain when opening your mouth or chewing
• Anxiety about dental treatment due to arthritis-related concerns
• The need for complex dental work that might require longer appointments

Our Commitment to Accessible Care

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand that arthritis presents unique challenges for dental health. Our practice is designed to accommodate patients with special needs:

• Accessible facilities
• Patient-centered scheduling with extra time allowed when needed
• Comprehensive care options to minimize multiple visits
• Experienced staff trained in working with patients who have mobility limitations

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