I wondered if anyone has had any dental issues...I recently had tooth pain and found that I had to take antibiotics. I have been taking penicillin (sp?) for over a week and it has not touched it. Is it possibly the RA or plaquenil? Since our immune systems are down..
I think it might have to do w/ the RA (not sure bout the plaquinel). Our immune systems are supressed with RA that we have a hard time fighting off infections. I have had ALOT of dental work done, molars taken out etc and I noticed that it took a lot longer then what it was soposed to take to heal. I also noticed that with any infection that I have had since having RA I have needed a stronger antibiotic then a "normal". Im not sure if it has anything to do w/ the fact that when i was younger I would get a horrible sinus infection everytime the seasons changed or if it has to do with that with RA. Who knows... Hope the infection goes away for you though! The dry mouth of Sjogren's can cause serious dental problems. When we have no saliva, the bacteria in our mouths does not get washed away like it normally would. When I first noticed the dry mouth, several years ago, I also went in to get my teeth cleaned like I did every six months. They found 7 gumline cavaties!! I was appalled, as I take very good care of my teeth. Since that time, I am even more conscientious about my brushing and flossing. I use an electric toothbrush that lets you know at 30 second intervals when to move on to the the next section of teeth. I love it and always brush for at least 2 min. twice a day. Also, with dry mouth flossing is extremely important. Not just for cavaties but also infections. One more little hint...if at all possible, try to get your teeth cleaned at the dentist at least every 4 months. Hop this helps. Have a good week-end, Nini my teeth are also in bad shape and even after getting them fixed they hurt. like someone else said we have to be extra vigilant with our teeth. You may have the beginnings of sjogrens.
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