Managing your RA Pain and Discomfort at the Dentist

Is the fear (stress) of more pain and discomfort than you already have from your RA keeping you out of your dentist's chair? Do you have to go more frequently because you're not looking after your teeth, adding other appointments to your overly saturated schedule?

This month, in my HealthCentral article, I suggest twelve tips to help minimize your pain and discomfort at the dentist's office. Tips like how to change the dreaded dental probe reading of your gums from fours and fives to ones and twos. Or how to get that floss into those hard-to-reach places in your mouth.

Even if you don't have rheumatoid arthritis, you could still benefit from these tips when you have your next dental appointment.

6 Replies to “Managing your RA Pain and Discomfort at the Dentist”

  1. With a dental appointment (x-rays and filling … ugh) coming up this week, your timing is perfect, Marianna. I have neck “challenges” that make time in the chair particularly tough. I found your post comforting. (BTW … I tried to leave this on HealthCentral, but it wouldn’t take my information even as a Guest.)

      1. Thanks for asking, Marianna. I walked home a bit dazed from some less-than-fun news, but reminded myself that this should be the worst thing I ever have to deal with. Neck was pretty good though … since the filling had to be delayed for more extensive work. Ugh. But the treatment my acu gave me the day before and the ear seeds to help stay calm did seem to help me deal with the news and chair time. Wishing you good health and good teeth! 🙂

  2. Marianna, This is a good article for everyone to read. I was a practicing dentist for almost 40 years and you are right on in this article. I think the biggest thing is to discuss this with your dentist. Discussing your fears and apprehensions is primary for good care. If you don’t find a sympathetic ear, look for another dentist. If your anxiety is really high, seek a dentist that offers oral sedation. This is a wonderful alternative for patients with high fear. Careful and sympathetic care is available, but you might have to look for it. Sadly not every dentist is sensitive to your needs.

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