The list of health problems associated with gum disease/periodontitis goes on and on, and it’s only getting longer. Most recently, scientists have added rheumatoid arthritis to the list. They found that that patients with rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease who undergo periodontal therapy experience less arthritis pain, fewer swollen joints, and reduced morning stiffness. The findings were reported in Journal of Periodontology by researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and Hospitals of Cleveland.
JOP held a workshop in 2008 on the body inflammation – periodontal disease – systemic health connection. Read about it here.
Dr. Michael K. McGuire stated in no. 11 Vol. 79 of JOP, 2008:
There is growing evidence that inflammation can be transferred from the oral cavity to other parts of the body (and vice versa), explaining the possible association between periodontitis and other chronic inflammatory conditions. As a clinician, I find this intellectually interesting, but when I ask myself whether or not this shift from an infection model to an inflammation model changes the way I treat my patients, the answer is, “not really.” But should it? Have I been so busy in my daily practice that I missed something important?
The link between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease has long been assumed by many health professionals. For years now, treatment of inflammation with antibiotics, as well as extracting infected teeth, have made rheumatoid arthritis patients feel better. The new research lends legitimacy to the assumption.
Click here to visit MedicalNews.com for more information about the study.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Dentist Melbourne // May 30, 2009 at 1:32 am
Most people will find that it’s simply easier to pay the small fee and have the information immediately and conveniently. You’ll have access to any dentist on the list and will be able to quickly scan through and find out which ones in your area have had problems with the Board before. This is immensely helpful in choosing a dentist.
2 mesa dentist // Jun 1, 2009 at 12:51 am
I can’t believe that arthritis can be helped by dentist i thought that only ortopedics can help in healing it.
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