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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Have you experienced pain in your jaw? I woke up with jaw pain on my right side. Im curious if this is the Rheumatoid Disease or not?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
February 15
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Answer Summary

Members reassured someone experiencing sudden jaw pain that it could indeed be related to rheumatoid arthritis, with several sharing their own... Read more

Members reassured someone experiencing sudden jaw pain that it could indeed be related to rheumatoid arthritis, with several sharing their own experiences of jaw swelling, difficulty chewing, and pain severe enough to require steroids or dental intervention. Many offered practical relief strategies, including using heating pads, Tiger Balm, Arnicare cream, wearing a night guard for teeth grinding and clenching, and consulting both a rheumatologist and a dentist trained in detecting RA in the jaw. A recurring theme was the importance of ruling out TMJ versus RA-related inflammation, with members expressing relief when a proper diagnosis led to effective treatment and encouraging one another to be patient and kind to themselves as symptoms come and go.

myRAteam

Is your jaw pain related to rheumatoid arthritis?

Yes, jaw pain can definitely be related to rheumatoid arthritis. RA can affect the temporomandibular joint (the ear-jaw joint), though many people are surprised when it happens.

A myRAteam member shared a similar experience: "From the normal joint aches --- feet, knees Show Full Answer

Is your jaw pain related to rheumatoid arthritis?

Yes, jaw pain can definitely be related to rheumatoid arthritis. RA can affect the temporomandibular joint (the ear-jaw joint), though many people are surprised when it happens.

A myRAteam member shared a similar experience: "From the normal joint aches --- feet, knees, wrist, hands, shoulders to now my ear-jaw joint --- I am so over all the joints in pain with this RA." Another member was also caught off guard, saying they had been dealing with RA for 16 years and never thought it could affect certain joints until it happened.

What you should know:

RA typically affects joints throughout the body, not just the commonly known ones like hands and feet. The jaw joint can become inflamed just like other joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

What to do next:

It's important to mention this new symptom to your rheumatologist. They can help determine if it's RA-related and adjust your treatment if needed. Don't wait if the pain is severe or affecting your ability to eat or speak comfortably.

February 15
A myRAteam Member

Yes! Jaw pain came on a couple of months after first symptoms - still comes and goes. I can expect migrating joint pain from one day to another. Grateful to still be quite functional. Just take each day as it presents itself and be patient with and kind to yourself.

February 18
A myRAteam Member

PaulaMiller I know you asked Linda where she gets her bite guard, and since you asked, I will share about mine.

I bought an inexpensive one at Walmart. Mine is an Oral B brand and I think it cost me around $18 US. It was pretty easy to follow the directions in the package.

I do actually like sleeping with it. I had no idea I was clenching my teeth so I am attributing it to the Rheumatoid Disease!

February 21
A myRAteam Member

I just experienced jaw pain but I was thinking it was sinus or something to do with sinus

February 17
A myRAteam Member

It can to help use a heating pad or tiger balm to help with this

February 16

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