Resource Rheumatoid arthritis and oral health problems Patients with RA can experience problems with their mouths. Some are directly related to RA such as gum disease, jaw problems and dry mouth and some indirectly, e.g. as a result of RA medication or difficulty cleaning teeth. Print Introduction The mouth plays an important role in the functioning of the human body; teeth chew food into smaller pieces to make it more digestible, and saliva contains enzymes which further break down food. Saliva also helps prevent oral infections and is required for swallowing.Teeth are held in place in the jaw bone by support from the surrounding gums and ligaments (fibrous tissue), making gum health very important too. From an appearance point of view, having a nice smile can boost a person’s confidence.Rheumatoid arthritis patients can experience problems with their mouths. Some oral health problems such as gum disease, jaw problems and dry mouth (i.e. lack of saliva) are directly related to RA. Dry mouth, for example, is a symptom of the autoimmune condition Sjögren’s syndrome, which is common in people with RA. Some oral health problems are indirectly related to RA, for example a result of RA medication or difficulty with cleaning the mouth (due to problems with joints). This will not be a problem for all people with RA, but it may be helpful to be aware of these potential problems so that you know what to look out for and what you might want to discuss with your dentist.Dentists, dental therapists and dental hygienists can help with assessing and treating mouth problems as well as giving advice on how to keep your mouth healthy.This section will cover the following topics which you can go directly to by clicking on the heading:Gum diseaseJaw problemsDry mouthRA medication and the mouthSmokingCleaning advice and tipsVisiting the DentistInformation for dental care professionals Further reading/useful links Article Gum Disease Gum disease affects almost half of all adults in the UK and can be a particular issue for people with RA. Article Jaw problems 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. Article Dry Mouth Dry mouth is more common in people with RA, and this can have a big impact on oral health. Saliva is important for many reasons, including keeping the mouth clean and free from gum disease and infection. Article RA medication and the mouth Medication can do a lot of good in controlling your RA, but it is also important to know that some RA medications can affect the mouth. Article Effects of smoking on gums Smoking is a major risk factor for RA, and heavy smoking more than doubles the risk. It is also the number one risk factor for gum disease, which people with RA are already more susceptible to. Article Cleaning advice and tips There are now many more products available to help you to ensure that your teeth are kept clean, reducing the risk of oral health problems such as gum disease. Article Visiting the dentist Visiting the dentist need not be a dreaded experience. Your dentist and dental care team (i.e. dental therapists, hygienists, nurses, etc.) are here to help you. Article Further reading/useful links Links to useful information and organisations to help with oral health. Updated: 03/08/2022 Next review: 03/05/2025
Article Gum Disease Gum disease affects almost half of all adults in the UK and can be a particular issue for people with RA.
Article Gum Disease Gum disease affects almost half of all adults in the UK and can be a particular issue for people with RA.
Article Jaw problems 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.
Article Jaw problems 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.
Article Dry Mouth Dry mouth is more common in people with RA, and this can have a big impact on oral health. Saliva is important for many reasons, including keeping the mouth clean and free from gum disease and infection.
Article Dry Mouth Dry mouth is more common in people with RA, and this can have a big impact on oral health. Saliva is important for many reasons, including keeping the mouth clean and free from gum disease and infection.
Article RA medication and the mouth Medication can do a lot of good in controlling your RA, but it is also important to know that some RA medications can affect the mouth.
Article RA medication and the mouth Medication can do a lot of good in controlling your RA, but it is also important to know that some RA medications can affect the mouth.
Article Effects of smoking on gums Smoking is a major risk factor for RA, and heavy smoking more than doubles the risk. It is also the number one risk factor for gum disease, which people with RA are already more susceptible to.
Article Effects of smoking on gums Smoking is a major risk factor for RA, and heavy smoking more than doubles the risk. It is also the number one risk factor for gum disease, which people with RA are already more susceptible to.
Article Cleaning advice and tips There are now many more products available to help you to ensure that your teeth are kept clean, reducing the risk of oral health problems such as gum disease.
Article Cleaning advice and tips There are now many more products available to help you to ensure that your teeth are kept clean, reducing the risk of oral health problems such as gum disease.
Article Visiting the dentist Visiting the dentist need not be a dreaded experience. Your dentist and dental care team (i.e. dental therapists, hygienists, nurses, etc.) are here to help you.
Article Visiting the dentist Visiting the dentist need not be a dreaded experience. Your dentist and dental care team (i.e. dental therapists, hygienists, nurses, etc.) are here to help you.
Article Further reading/useful links Links to useful information and organisations to help with oral health.
Article Further reading/useful links Links to useful information and organisations to help with oral health.