New member with question...Help?

Posted January 31, 2004 · January 31, 2004

Hi everyone! My name is Tammy and I was diagnosed with rheumatoid

arthiritis in 1999. I've been on Enbrel and Celebrex since April of

2000. I have a question for other Enbrel users, past and present.

Are you or have you experienced rapid tooth decay because of the

Enbrel? I use a Sonic Care toothbrush, a Water Pik, etc...but it

doesn't help...in the last 3 years I've went from pretty healthy

teeth to a crumbling decaying mess...I'm having 2 molars extracted on

Monday and need to have about 3 more extracted. It's like my teeth

have just turned into fragile glass and crumble. I would like to

hear from other users to see if they are experiencing the same

thing. If not I will search for other sources for my tooth decay.

In other news..WOW there is a wealth of info in past messages...I am

so greatful I found this group! I am looking forward to getting to

know all of you. ;0) As for me...I just turned 40, am on SSI because

of the RA, sleep apnea, psoriasis, and bipolar disorder. Married

with 2 beautiful teenage daughters. Lots of pets!

Tammy

Posted February 4, 2004 · February 4, 2004

Hi Tammy,....I too have RA, and I also have the same problem. I also

have sjogren's syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease, whereby the

body attacks its own exocrine glands. Certain areas include the

nose, skin, vagina, lungs, stomach, and intestines. With sjogren's

if left untreated it can lead to more serious problems. Saliva is

necessary to cleanse your mouth. Without enough saliva, unwanted

bacteria may build up in your mouth. This can cause dental decay,

and infections of the mouth. I am not sure if it is sjogren's, or

the meds, or the RA it self.

I don't know if my babbling helps, take care Tawny

> Hi everyone! My name is Tammy and I was diagnosed with rheumatoid

> arthiritis in 1999. I've been on Enbrel and Celebrex since April

of

> 2000. I have a question for other Enbrel users, past and present.

> Are you or have you experienced rapid tooth decay because of the

> Enbrel? I use a Sonic Care toothbrush, a Water Pik, etc...but it

> doesn't help...in the last 3 years I've went from pretty healthy

> teeth to a crumbling decaying mess...I'm having 2 molars extracted

on

> Monday and need to have about 3 more extracted. It's like my teeth

> have just turned into fragile glass and crumble. I would like to

> hear from other users to see if they are experiencing the same

> thing. If not I will search for other sources for my tooth

decay.

>

> In other news..WOW there is a wealth of info in past messages...I

am

> so greatful I found this group! I am looking forward to getting to

> know all of you. ;0) As for me...I just turned 40, am on SSI

because

> of the RA, sleep apnea, psoriasis, and bipolar disorder. Married

> with 2 beautiful teenage daughters. Lots of pets!

>

> Tammy

Posted February 4, 2004 · February 4, 2004

Tammy,

I am on Enbrel, Methotrexate, folic acid, prednisone, Calcium/Vit D and Bextra. I would think if you are on or have been on high doses of prednisone for long periods of time that would have some effect. As prednisone robs the body of calcium and vit D which weakens bones and I would think would do the same to teeth.

The next thing is frequently due to disease process as well as side effects of meds some people suffer from dry mouth...which can cause lots of problems with cavities. There is even a disorder called Sojourns Sydrome which is also an autoimmune disease that attacks the salivary glands and tear ducts.

My dentist also does not recommend electric tooth brushes as they can damage gums and teath because they are too hard. You can actually wear away tooth enamal especially at the gum line causing serious problems. My dentist recommends soft tooth brushes only.

Please check with your rheummy, internal med doc or pharmacist to see if the any of the meds you are currently on or have taken in the past leave you at risk for dental problems.

Good luck,

Toni

In a message dated 2/4/04 12:30:40 PM Central Standard Time, Rheumatoid Arthritis writes: