Well, Munchkin #2 is heading for the dentist again today. You can imagine my surprise/horror at finding out that she has cavities in 4 adult molars, one on each side top and bottom. Immediately, the hygienist proclaimed that Munchkin #2 is not brushing her teeth. I know that my munchkins brush their teeth!
I know that both my kids brush and go through the same amount of toothpaste. But why does #2 get a boatload of cavities while the other does not? Is this some weird arthritis related thing?
Here is the first bit I found:
http://voices.yahoo.com/how-rheumatoid-arthritis-affects-oral-health-300316.html
I know that my munchkin has wrist pain. But, since I'm not her I never really know how severe or mild it is. So, are the back teeth becoming coated with plaque because it hurts her wrists to brush back there? Does it hurt her jaw to brush back there?
We recently had Munchkin #2 tested for dry eye - all the tests came up negative. She has never complained of problems with her eyes, but I am starting to wonder if she has something going on with salivary glands.
In the meantime, she is using an electric toothbrush, and we'll buy her a 'Waterpick' which she is going to need anyway once she gets her braces on.
I am seeing all kinds of stuff on the internet about periodontal disease triggering RA. I have also seen that wheat/gluten can trigger RA, I have been asked if intense exercise can trigger RA, I have heard that our 'dirty world' can trigger RA, I have heard that meat can trigger RA. It goes on and on and on. As far as I know, we don't know what triggers RA. I suspect (and I'm not a doc or anything!) that there is a genetic predisposition. Immunological issues run on both my side and my husband's side of the family.
The next bit I found:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3280043/ This is a more scholarly look at the issue.
So....it seems to me that yes, more research is needed into the possible link between RA and periodontal disease. What is interesting is that many people (including a few health professionals I know) are not really aware of this.
Peace.
I know that both my kids brush and go through the same amount of toothpaste. But why does #2 get a boatload of cavities while the other does not? Is this some weird arthritis related thing?
Here is the first bit I found:
http://voices.yahoo.com/how-rheumatoid-arthritis-affects-oral-health-300316.html
I know that my munchkin has wrist pain. But, since I'm not her I never really know how severe or mild it is. So, are the back teeth becoming coated with plaque because it hurts her wrists to brush back there? Does it hurt her jaw to brush back there?
We recently had Munchkin #2 tested for dry eye - all the tests came up negative. She has never complained of problems with her eyes, but I am starting to wonder if she has something going on with salivary glands.
In the meantime, she is using an electric toothbrush, and we'll buy her a 'Waterpick' which she is going to need anyway once she gets her braces on.
I am seeing all kinds of stuff on the internet about periodontal disease triggering RA. I have also seen that wheat/gluten can trigger RA, I have been asked if intense exercise can trigger RA, I have heard that our 'dirty world' can trigger RA, I have heard that meat can trigger RA. It goes on and on and on. As far as I know, we don't know what triggers RA. I suspect (and I'm not a doc or anything!) that there is a genetic predisposition. Immunological issues run on both my side and my husband's side of the family.
The next bit I found:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3280043/ This is a more scholarly look at the issue.
So....it seems to me that yes, more research is needed into the possible link between RA and periodontal disease. What is interesting is that many people (including a few health professionals I know) are not really aware of this.
Peace.
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Be peaceful and respectful.