My Journey To RA and Methotrexate, but Now.... Teeth?
Eighteen months ago I seized up overnight. I was 65 years old. No one had RA in my family. My GP didn't know what was going on. My blood test showed 65 on inflammation scale. My right knee ballooned but it was painless. GP took "goo" out thinking I had gout. The blood tests showed serum negative. Then the Orthopaedist thought I had tendonitis and after 2 weeks of hell my GP put me on 8 x2.5g of methotrexate. It all started to settle. The side effects, other than ulcers, are loss of teeth. Ive lost 5 in 18 months. I have no other mouth disease at all. There are no rheumatologists in the Eastern Cape South Africa which is a nightmare. My mouth is a crime scene. We reduced methotrexate to 6x 2.5 a week. Still a mess. After 18 months my GP suggested I stop altogether to give my mouth a break. Now after 6 weeks of no methotrexate I have very mild stiffness in my left hand when waking up. Any idea what's going on?
Hi
. Generally methotrexate causes mouth ulcers and sores. It is one of the reasons (although liver issues are the primary) that folic acid is usually prescribed with it (see here for more information: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/methotrexate). RA and the accompanying inflammation can do a number on teeth. Also, I don't know if you have been prescribed any corticosteroids, such as prednisone, but they can damage the teeth.
Teeth issues are no stranger to many in the community and our contributors have written a number of articles on the topic. Here are a couple from Monica: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/tips-for-healthy-teeth and https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/tooth-decay. Here is David on the topic: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/tooth-decay-side-effects. You mention not having a rheumatologist. It could be helpful if you can find a dentist with experience treating people with autoimmune conditions. Also, you may want to enquire about whether telehealth appointments with a rheumatologist would be possible. Hope this information is helpful and that you can get some answers. Best, Richard (Team Member)
