Treating Gum Disease Reduces Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dental Care Can Relief the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treating Gum Disease Reduces Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

                                               by Janice Munroe

Who would have thought that there was a connection between periodontal care and rheumatoid arthritis?  Although there has been traditional folklore connecting teeth to arthritis, until recently there have been no scientifically established connections.  In May 2009 researchers announced the results of a study showing that treating gum disease relieves symptoms of severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

 What is the Link Between Gum Disease and RA?

The study, reported in the Journal of Periodontology, found that when participants with moderate to severe gum disease had their gums treated, they experienced a reduction of arthritis symptoms.  They had less pain, less morning stiffness, and fewer swollen joints.    Why did this happen?  Experts believe that toxins released by inflamed gums circulate in the bloodstream, causing or aggravating inflammation in other parts of the body.  When the gums are healed, the level of toxins in the bloodstream is reduced, thus relieving inflammation throughout the body.

How Was the Study Conducted?

The study was completed by researchers at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland.   The subjects were divided into two main groups and two sub-groups.  The two main groups consisted of participants who were given a new medication and participants who were not given the medication.  The medication was a new anti-TNF-α drug that blocks the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), which is a toxin released by rheumatoid arthritis inflammation.  The group that received the medication experienced more relief from RA symptoms than the group that did not receive the medication.

All subjects had moderate to severe gum disease.  One half of the participants not taking the TNF-α medication and one half of the participants taking the medication received standard non-surgical periodontal treatments to cure their gum disease.  (The other participants postponed their gum treatments until the end of the study.)  The findings were that:

• the group which had the periodontal care showed more arthritis improvements than the sub-group that didn’t have periodontal care, and
•  periodontal care improved the effectiveness of the medication.

Conclusions

If you have rheumatoid arthritis and have been putting off dental or periodontal care, perhaps to avoid additional expenses or pain, you may want to consider the additional benefits of addressing your gum health.  Even if your gums have been healthy, take extra care to promote ongoing oral health with:

• regular brushing,
• regular flossing, and
• rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash recommended by your dentist.

These measures will protect you from developing gum disease and tooth decay; and will prevent aggravation of any arthritic inflammation elsewhere in your body.  Having healthy gums will not only protect your teeth, but will also improve your overall well being.  Although taking care of gums does not usually cure rheumatoid arthritis, it should provide a noticeable improvement.   As an added bonus, you will also reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and if you are a pregnant woman, premature birth.