Ep 118: More Than a Smile: Oral Health in AiArthritis Diseases

AiArthritis Voices 360 Main, Full Episode 118

Air Date: February 8th 2026

This episode is a step 2, as outlined in our 6 Step Patient-Led Problem Solving Process.

Oral health is often treated as optional or cosmetic, but for people living with AiArthritis diseases, it can have a real impact on pain, fatigue, nutrition, and quality of life. In this episode, Leila and Bridget explore why oral health deserves a place in routine disease management and

why so many patients are never told their symptoms are disease related. The episode looks at how autoimmune conditions and common medications can affect the mouth, from dry mouth and gum inflammation to delayed healing and increased infection risk. It also breaks down the connection between oral health, the immune system, and systemic inflammation, helping patients better understand why issues can show up even when oral

hygiene is strong.

Join us on this episode to hear practical, gentle strategies for protecting oral health when saliva is reduced or sensitivity is high. The discussion emphasizes adaptation over perfection and reinforces that oral health challenges are not personal failures, but part of living with complex

chronic disease.

Episode Highlights:

Why oral health is often overlooked and why it matters in autoimmune disease
How inflammation, medications, and reduced saliva affect the mouth
The link between oral health and conditions like Sjögren’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma
Gentle, realistic strategies to protect teeth and gums without causing more harm

Have questions about this episode or topics you want to hear us bring to the table?

Email us at podcast@aiarthritis.org

Donate to Support the Show: www.aiarthritis.org/donate

AiArthritis Voices 360 is produced by the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis. Visit us on the web at www.aiarthritis.org/talkshow. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook (@IFAiArthritis) or email us (podcast@aiarthritis.org). Be sure to check out our top-rated show on Feedspot!

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Who is at the table?

Leila P.L. Valete,AiArthritis Health Education Manager & Person Living with Lupus & Sjogren's

Bridget Dandaraw-Seritt, person living with AiArthritis disease, Advocates for Compassionate Therapy Now

LISTEN TO OR WATCH THE FULL EPISODE [

Todos nuestros episodios principales del primer domingo de cada mes son un episodio inicial para "poner el tema sobre la mesa". (Paso 2 del proceso de resolución de problemas de 6 pasos de nuestra organización) o un episodio de "revisión de la mesa" (Paso 6 en el proceso de 6 pasos de nuestra organización)donde nos basamos en un programa anterior porque hemos avanzado en el desarrollo de ayuda, herramientas o proyectos en torno al tema. (Paso 5 del proceso de 6 pasos de nuestra organización).

Tras la emisión de cada programa, ampliamos la conversación a numerosos debates en diversos formatos, a los que ahora llamamos #360its.

You can find, follow, and listen on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or where ever you do podcasts. Please follow, rate, and subscribe to the show, then share it with someone. Be sure to check out our top-rated show on Feedspot!

Your Co-Hosts: Who is at the Table this Episode?

Leila P. L.Valete

Leila is the Health Education Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus and Sjögren’s disease. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity in health education and meeting individuals where they are at in order to learn in a way that resonates with them.

Connect with Leila:

Tiktok: @Lupuslifestyle.lei

Bridget Dandaraw-Seritt

Bridget Dandaraw-Seritt founded a patient based organization that advocates for access to

compassionate care and provides community support. She’s a published author on therapeutic

cannabis, presents at medical conferences, and is engaged in the policy making process.

Connect with Bridget:

Facebook: Advocates for Compassionate Therapy Now

Pull up your seat at the table

Now it's YOUR TURN to join the conversation!

What do you think about this episode?

We want to know what you think! By continuing the conversation with your opinions and perspectives - we all get a better understanding of the problems facing our community. Better yet, through these conversations we can start working and developing solutions.

We mean it when say 360. Not only do we want your input anytime and anywhere, but we also are eager to see where the conversation will take us. So please, "pull up a seat at the table" and let's start talking!

Email us at podcast@aiarthritis.org, message us on social media (find us by searching for @IFAiArthritis)