jaw pain

I wish I could answer that for you.  I have the same pain and wondered the same thing.  Best of luck.

Marly

I asked my dentist if my RA was affecting my jaw.  I was having trouble keeping my mouth open wide enough for him and afterwards I had more pain than usual.  He told me that, yes, RA has very likely affected my jaw.  He has to give me more frequent breaks than he would others with a healthy jaw.  Hope this helps!

Yes, RA can affect the jaw joints and the impact is especially noticeable when eating or at the dentist. And there's nothing like it - with other joints, you can sometimes sort of mentally isolate the pain to that area of the body and be able to more or less get on with your day. Pain in the jaw, on the other hand, seems to affect everything and in my experience, has a more drastic impact on your mood. Try eating softer foods - e.g., using ground meat (hamburger instead of steak), steamed vegetables instead of raw, cut your food in smaller pieces that are easier to chew, don't eat "tall" food where you have to open your jaw very wide to take a bite. Soups, stews and stir fries with rice are easier on the jaw, as well. Sometimes, a bite plane also helps - it's a protective guard for your teeth made by your dentist and is worn at night to protect your jaw in case you clench or grind your teeth when you sleep. If your RA is on the move into additional joints like the jaw, you may also want to talk to your rheumatologist regarding options for controlling the progression.

Hey Yoli, I've got another idea for you too.  A few years back I had been having jaw "discomfort" in the morning, I wouldn't describe mine as pain though.  I don't really think mine is RA related cuz I'm pretty sure it comes from my tendancy to clench my teeth.  When I am tense or upset my husband can always tell cuz it all goes right to my jaws.  Dentist also noticed unusual wear in my teeth so apparently I am a night time tooth grinder.  I think this is why my jaw felt funny in the a.m.  He gave me a bite splint.  It's just this hard plastic thing I sleep with that keeps me from grinding.  It took some getting used to but now I can't sleep with out it.  I really LOVE it!  Now it is true from what I've read that RA can effect your jaws, however RA or no it might be worth asking the dentist if this might help you.  What do you think?  ....maybe?

Oh duh!  I see if I had read through all of Lene's comments she already suggested this.  Durrr....!  Once again, damn you Lene!