Humira/gum disease

went for my three month cleaning today as I have had gum disease for several years now (two surgeries).   I guess problems with gums and eyes are all part of the arthritis.

Well the hygienist said I had some puss pockets again and I've notice some tenderness.  I asked the nurse at the Humira hot line if she thought the Humira could making the gum disease worse and she wasn't sure.  As it is a type of infection I'm wondering if it's flaring up cause my immune system is depressed?   Anyone had a similar problem?   I have spent thousands of dollars trying to hang on to my teeth, not to mention the pain of the surgeries etc.  I wouldn't worry so much but I can't get dentures unless I first have surgery to remove some of the bone in the upper part of my mouth (not a pleasant idea) and really don't want to be without teeth.  If I knew for sure that the Humira was causing the problem I would seriously think about stopping it.  Everything seems to be a trade off. 

There is the possibility that it would be happening anyway.  I just don't want to wait till my teeth are all falling out.  Have a seriously loose front crown now and am trying to hold onto it until January when our full dental coverage kicks back in so that I can get a bridge.

Just wondering if anyone out there knows if this could be worsened by the Humira.

Thanks

Donna

Hi Coffeefriend,

I dont' have a problem with my teeth decaying.   I have gum disease.  I guess I have a lot of inflammation in the gums and also bone loss which causes the teeth to loosen.   My Dad had hardly any cavities in his lifetime but ended up losing all his teeth because of the gum disease.  I've been battling it for several years now and trying really hard to keep my teeth but it's so expensive.  So far I have one bridge and need another.  Eventually if it worsens and too many teeth loosen they won't be able to patch me up anymore.

thanks for writing and hope have a great day.  I think we are finally supposed to get some sun sometime this week.  

Alicat