If you suffer from gum disease, you may be at risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). That’s the conclusion drawn by several recent studies into the long-established connection between the two diseases. At the Bridge Smiles Dental Group, we work hard to eliminate gum infections, but we need our patients to understand why it’s so important for them to keep regular appointments and practice oral hygiene.
Gum disease is caused by bacterial infection, but the causes of RA have remained unclear. The latter is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own synovium, which is the soft tissue that lines joints. As a result, synovium becomes thick and stiff. Scientists used to think that people with RA had high rates of gum disease because they struggled to brush and floss, but it’s often the gum disease symptoms that develop first. Recently, scientists discovered that synovium and gum tissue share similar cellular structures.
New studies have found that the acid secreted by oral bacteria triggers hypercitrullination, which is a process by which proteins are deformed at a higher rate than is necessary to regulate them. The immune system responds by overproducing anti-protein antibodies, which then damage synovium. Researchers are currently investigating whether treating gum disease can reduce inflammation in people already suffering from RA, but in the meantime, patients suffering from gingivitis should schedule appointments with us to prevent joint pain as well as periodontitis.
Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.
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