MTX and dental matters

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

I've started methotrexate for RA after years of other things, and one of the side effects is a sore mouth.

I've found out in the last year that, despite regular hygienist visits and doing everything I was told, I've got periodontal disease, mostly 2-3, but there were some on 4 and one goes to 6. My gums don't actually look that inflamed and don't bleed, but I am bothered by this.

As I'm 39, the dentist seemed a little surprised to see this, but in all honesty, she does appear to be in her mid twenties, so it might be 'normal'.

Is there anything I can do to help protect my teeth (never a filling or extraction other than 2 impacted wisdom teeth) and mouth from this medication and is there anything I could be prescribed or express an interest in that could help?

McKneff

Are you sure it isnt 'Thrush' I have had Methotrexate twice and both times it has resulted in Thrush in my mouth., to be honest, the best thing is go back to the dentist or go to your GP, I'm fairly sure thats what they will say. And probably prescribe something else.

Having thrush is not pleasant and it does actually feel like having a really sore mouth.
The sooner the better.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

McKneff wrote: »

Are you sure it isnt 'Thrush' I have had Methotrexate twice and both times it has resulted in Thrush in my mouth., to be honest, the best thing is go back to the dentist or go to your GP, I'm fairly sure thats what they will say. And probably prescribe something else.

Having thrush is not pleasant and it does actually feel like having a really sore mouth.
The sooner the better.

Thanks, it's definitely not thrush, I had that with steroid asthma inhalers - I want to protect against the sore mouth and help halt the periodontal disease from worsening. The GP and consultant said any problems with my mouth, see my dentist :)l

brook2jack

Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant so whilst it doesn't cause gum disease it stops your body fighting it as well.

The condition you are taking it for eg RA can make you more prone to gum disease.

Add on any habits or conditions that also cause gum problems eg smoking ,diabetes and you have a problem.

All treatment or prevention of gum disease is based on removing plaque. 90% of people don't clean properly so get your dentist/hygienist to check your brushing/flossing use of tepes.

There are other treatments , medications but the number one step is meticulous cleaning.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Thanks. I don't smoke, I'm not diabetic and the dentist and hygienist both said brushing and tepe use were fine.