How can rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect the jaw? Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe How can rheumatoid arthritis affect the jaw Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD — By Jamie Eske — Updated on August 1, 2022Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes pain and inflammation in the joints. When RA affects the jaw, it often causes tenderness, stiffness, and pain when chewing. In the advanced stages of the condition, the joint may be painful and make noises when moving. Jaw involvement is common in people who have difficulties managing their RA. Although estimates of its prevalence vary widely between 2% and 88% of those with RA, only a small number of individuals experience symptoms. RA usually affects the joints symmetrically, so people may notice the symptoms on both sides of the jaw. This article will examine how RA can affect the jaw, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and ways to relieve jaw pain relating to RA. RA and the jaw Share on PinterestClaret Castell/StocksyRA is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells and tissues in and around the joints. Although RA commonly affects the hands, wrist, and knees, it can also cause inflammation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint. If there is jaw involvement, it usually occurs later on in the course of the disease. The inflammation due to RA can lead to pain and stiffness in the jaw, which can interfere with a person’s ability to eat, drink, speak, and sleep. RA can also interrupt jaw development in children. Symptoms and diagnosis Jaw pain rarely develops in the early stages of RA — the jaw is usually one of the last joints the condition can affect. People with RA should talk with a rheumatologist if they experience pain in new areas. The symptoms of RA in the jaw include:an aching jawpain, tenderness, or stiffness in the jaw jointa grinding, creaking, or crunching sound, known as crepitationlimited range of motiondecreased joint spaceerosion or bone loss on the affected jointmisalignment of the jaw in advanced casesdizzinesspain in the neck, ears, or eyes At times, jaw stiffness can make it difficult to chew. A rheumatologist will diagnose RA jaw pain according to a person’s medical history, current diagnosis, and symptoms. These healthcare specialists may also run one or more diagnostic tests to validate their diagnosis. Diagnostic tests for RA jaw pain may include:a physical examination of the jaw and mouthX-rays of the jaw jointMRI scansblood tests to measure antibody levels and rule out infections People who experience RA in their jaw usually get symptoms of the condition in other joints before they experience it in the jaw joint. RA can also cause symptoms outside the joints. The general symptoms of RA include:fatiguesometimes, an RA-related feverloss of appetite How to relieve RA jaw pain Controlling the disease itself will help reduce RA jaw pain. Typically, doctors prescribe medications to help prevent tissue damage and slow the disease from progressing. Medications that reduce inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can reduce painful inflammation in the jaw and elsewhere and are generally prescribed for 2 weeks. Because RA medication generally slows down or stops the progression of the condition, it also reduces symptoms and can prevent permanent joint damage. Prescription medications can include:corticosteroidsdisease-modifying antirheumatic drugsbiologic medications, including: tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitorsrituximababataceptinterleukin-6 inhibitorsJanus kinase inhibitors Certain jaw exercises may also help relieve RA symptoms. A person can speak with a doctor about the best types of exercises to do and when to do them, as overusing the jaw can worsen symptoms. Individuals should always warm up the jaw muscles first to prevent injury. A rheumatologist may also refer a person to an oral medication specialist to evaluate and manage TMJ pain. Home remedies can help with the immediate symptoms of jaw pain. However, these methods alone are not enough to treat RA. Even with mild symptoms, prolonged inflammation can still lead to permanent tissue damage, so it is important to keep taking prescribed RA medication. People can use the following methods to help relieve RA jaw pain at home:applying a hot or cold compresseating soft foods or switching to a liquid diet for a few daysavoiding crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods, such as nuts, croutons, caramel, and gumusing a straw for drinking liquidsavoiding opening the mouth too wide during flaresavoiding clenching the jawwearing a mouthguard during sleep Outlook RA causes inflammation, pain, and swelling in the synovial fluid between joints. In later stages of the condition, it can also affect the jaw. Inflammation of the jaw can lead to persistent pain and a limited range of mobility. Without treatment, inflammation can damage the surrounding cartilage and bone tissue, which can lead to permanent damage. Controlling RA with medications can reduce RA-related jaw pain. Different medications work better for different individuals, and people can speak with a doctor about the best course of treatment. Eating hard, crunchy food or clenching the jaw can worsen RA jaw pain during flares. People can consider eating soft foods and applying a hot or cold compress to reduce jaw pain at home. Last medically reviewed on August 1, 2022DentistryRheumatoid ArthritisRheumatologyBones / OrthopedicsMedically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD — By Jamie Eske — Updated on August 1, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageRheumatoid arthritis symptoms in womenMedically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD Rheumatoid arthritis causes many symptoms, including joint pain and stiffness. Learn more about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in females here.READ MOREWhy does RA often occur in the joints of the hands?Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune condition wherein the immune system attacks the lining between the joints. Learn more here.READ MOREWhat is RA? Symptoms, treatments, causes, and everything else you need to knowMedically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M.D., FACR Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in joints and can affect organs throughout the body. Find out more here.READ MOREHow does rheumatoid arthritis affect the elbow?Medically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M.D., FACR RA in the elbow can change the shape of the joint, which may reduce mobility. Some people may also develop nodules around the elbow. Learn how RA…READ MOREWhat to know about psoriatic arthritis jaw painMedically reviewed by Brenda B. Spriggs, M.D., MPH, FACP Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can affect any joint in the body, including the jaw. This can cause jaw pain, teeth grinding, and other dental problems. In…READ MORE