Are receding gums a part of RA?
Receding gums aren't directly caused by RA itself, but dry mouth—a common issue for people with RA—can increase the risk of gum disease and dental problems that may lead to receding gums.
Dry mouth can happen for a couple of reasons:
* RA medications: Many drugs used to treat RA, including Show Full Answer
Are receding gums a part of RA?
Receding gums aren't directly caused by RA itself, but dry mouth—a common issue for people with RA—can increase the risk of gum disease and dental problems that may lead to receding gums.
Dry mouth can happen for a couple of reasons:
* RA medications: Many drugs used to treat RA, including NSAIDs, leflunomide (Arava), etanercept (Enbrel), and adalimumab (Humira), can cause dry mouth as a side effect
* Sjögren's disease: This is a separate autoimmune condition that commonly occurs alongside RA (affecting 14-39% of people with RA). It attacks moisture-producing tissues, causing dry mouth and dry eyes
When saliva production decreases, teeth lose their natural protection against bacteria and sugary particles. This makes gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental issues more likely to develop.
If you're experiencing dry mouth or noticing gum changes, talk to your rheumatologist. They can help determine whether it's medication-related or if Sjögren's disease might be involved, and recommend appropriate treatments like prescription mouth rinses or saliva substitutes.
March 13
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