Rheumatoid Arthritis: Must-Know Impact on Your Oral Health
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily targets joints but also significantly impacts oral health. This systemic condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, leading to widespread inflammation. While the focus is often on joint inflammation, including in the wrists, hands, feet, and knees, RA can also affect various organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys. However, its effect on oral health is a lesser-known yet crucial aspect to understand.
Understanding the Connection Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Oral Health
Rheumatoid arthritis can seriously affect oral health, leading to complications such as gum disease and tooth decay. The inflammation characteristic of RA can make maintaining oral hygiene both challenging and painful. Swollen joints can hinder effective brushing and flossing, essential for preventing dental issues. To ease this, using electric toothbrushes with larger handles can provide a more comfortable grip and efficient cleaning, which is particularly beneficial as they require less manual dexterity.
The Challenges of Oral Hygiene for RA Patients
For many RA patients, flossing can be difficult due to reduced joint mobility. Interdental cleaners offer an efficient alternative, allowing for easier cleaning between teeth without the strain of traditional flossing. These are readily available in pharmacies and department stores.
Additionally, RA can affect salivary glands, leading to xerostomia or dry mouth, which reduces saliva’s natural antibacterial properties, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Patients are encouraged to stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum, or suck on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva production, thereby relieving dryness.
Importance of Professional Dental Care
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Visiting the dentist at least three times a year can help monitor and manage oral health complications. Discussing your condition with your dentist ensures that you receive customized advice and care that addresses both dental and RA-related concerns.
Mitigating Oral Health Risks
For those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diligent oral care is essential. Simple daily practices such as brushing teeth twice a day and using high-fluoride products can protect against tooth decay. Additionally, reducing sugar intake and maintaining a balanced diet can further safeguard your oral health. Recognizing signs of oral health issues, such as dry mouth, tooth stains, decay, plaque, gum disease, bad breath, and bleeding, is vital. Early detection facilitates swift intervention, reducing the risk of long-term complications.
Conclusion: Balancing RA and Oral Health Management
Managing rheumatoid arthritis requires a comprehensive approach that includes vigilant oral health care. Simple adaptations, like using electric toothbrushes and alternative cleaning methods, can make a significant difference. Engaging in regular dental visits and maintaining open communication with dental professionals ensures that both RA and oral health are addressed simultaneously. Living with rheumatoid arthritis presents unique challenges, but understanding its impact on oral health empowers individuals to take proactive steps. By integrating effective oral hygiene practices with RA treatment plans, patients can enhance their overall quality of life.
If you’re looking for professional dental care to support your oral health journey in the Hillsboro area, consider contacting East Wind Hillsboro Dental Care. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you manage the dental complications of rheumatoid arthritis effectively. Call us today at 503-614-0198 or visit our website to discover why we are the preferred dental care provider in Hillsboro, Beaverton, and beyond.
East Wind Hillsboro Dental Care
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198
Website: East Wind Dental Care
East Wind Dental Care
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family dentistry in Hillsboro
https://eastwinddentalcare.com
amily and Cosmetics Dentistry in Hillsboro, Oregon.
East Wind Dental Care Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon. We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful. East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health. When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Website: https://www.eastwinddentalcare.com
Dentist in Hillsboro, OR - East Wind Dental Care provides general dentistry in Hillsboro. Make your next family dentist appointment at East Wind Dental Care. General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry, Pediatric (Kids!) Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Replacement. Crowns and Bridges, Dental Implants & Mini Dental Implants Dentures (with specialty), Complete denture, Partial Dentures.
East Wind Dental Care
Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon.
We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful.
East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health.
When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
East Wind Dental Care
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00 and Saturdays with appointments.
Website: https://eastwinddentalcare.com/
Make an appointment online at https://eastwinddentalcare.com/contact-3/
