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Do I Have Arthritis?
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  • About Arthritis
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    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
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    • Where it Hurts
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    Woman holding shoulderWebinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    Man with head in hands on bedWebinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

    • Treatment Plan
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    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    man exercisingStairs Workout Demo

    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

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    2023 JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

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    • About Juvenile Arthritis
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    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

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    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

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    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

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    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

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    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

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Dry Mouth and Arthritis

Everyone has a dry mouth now and then – from nerves, stress, too much exercise or too little water. But if your dry mouth doesn’t go away – no matter how much water you drink – the problem may lie with your salivary glands. Chronic dry mouth (xerostomia) occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Your lips and the skin around them may dry and crack, too, and you might find it hard to talk or swallow.

Medications and Dry Mouth

Lots of things can contribute to a chronically dry mouth, but medications are the main culprit. More than 500 prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs affect how your salivary glands work. If your mouth feels like it’s permanently stuffed with cotton, start by checking the side effects of your medications or ask your doctor about them.

  • Antihistamines
  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Blood pressure pills
  • Diuretics
  • Pain relievers
  • Sedatives  

Sjogren’s Syndrome and Dry Mouth

Drugs and aging are the most common causes of dry mouth. But if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or lupus you’re also at increased risk of Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder whose main symptoms are dry mouth and eyes.

For years, Sjogren’s was considered a nuisance condition that didn’t cause serious problems. It’s now known that it can also affect your joints, kidneys, lungs, skin and cause ongoing fatigue. Like other autoimmune diseases, Sjogren’s occurs when inflammation is directed against the body’s own tissues – in this case, the glands that produce moisture in your mouth and eyes.

There are two types of Sjogren’s syndrome – primary and secondary. Primary is when you have Sjögren’s symptoms but you don’t have another major rheumatic or autoimmune disease. The secondary form is diagnosed when someone who already has another autoimmune disease, such as RA or lupus, develops Sjogren’s symptoms. Dry mouth symptoms tend to be worse in primary Sjogren’s.

Dangers of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is uncomfortable and can present daily challenges, including the inability to taste or enjoy food. More important, it affects your oral health and digestion. Saliva contains antibacterial compounds that prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. It also makes chewing and swallowing easier and contains the enzyme amylase, which helps break down starches.

“Operating a mouth with no spit is like driving a car without motor oil,” explains Anna Diaz-Arnold, DDS, a professor in the Department of Family Dentistry at the University of Iowa.

Dry Mouth Treatment

 

The goal of treatment is to keep your mouth as moist as possible. Most therapies are simple things you can do yourself, others will require a prescription. 

  • Take small sips of water throughout the day.
  • Chew sugar-free gum. This will help keep as much saliva flowing as possible.
  • Invest in a room humidifier. A moist environment can help your skin, mouth and eyes.
  • Try saliva substitutes. These come as sprays, gels and lozenges and are sold online and in most pharmacies. Some contain xylitol, which can help protect against cavities but may also cause stomach upset. You might want to stick with products made from carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethylcellulose. Your dentist can probably suggest a good brand.
  • Avoid sugary foods and candies. Lower your risk of cavities by avoiding these.
  • Limit caffeine. It can make dry mouth worse.
  • Try prescription medicines. Two medications are approved to stimulate saliva production in people with Sjogren’s: cevimeline HCL (Evoxac) and pilocarpine (Salagen). These medications are usually only tried if nothing else has worked. Both have side effects and interact with a host of other drugs, so talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
  • Get frequent dental care. You may need more-frequent cleanings and dental examinations. Your dentist may also suggest anti-cavity toothpaste and other products to help keep your mouth healthy.
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Dry Eyes and Arthritis

Related Conditions

Dry Eyes and Arthritis
Learn the various causes of dry eye with arthritis and how to treat it.
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Expert Q&A: Mouth Sores with RA

Related Conditions

Expert Q&A: Mouth Sores with RA
Learn the link between mouth sores and rheumatoid arthritis.
Read More
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Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

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Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

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Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

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  • Walk to Cure
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Live Yes! INSIGHTS


Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community. 

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families. 

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

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Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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