Gum problems increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis: Study

If you want to be safe from arthritis, you might also want to consult a dentist, study shows.

 INFLAMMATION? Your joint pain may be related to your oral health.
© 2008 jeanbaptisteparis, Flickr | CC-BY-SA | via Wylio

It may seem unrelated, but a Louisville study shows that there is a link between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gum problems.

People with gum disease are likely more prone to rheumatic arthritis, the study shows.

According to the researchers from University of Louisville, poor oral health can raise the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

The researchers note that there is a well-established connection among inflammatory disease, but their study focuses on the role of oral bacteria.

Peptidylarginine deiminase, an enzyme that is present in the mouths with gum disease, is also associated with rheumatic arthritis.

This enzyme transforms some of the body’s proteins into another form of protein called citruline. The immune system confuses citruline as a problem and attacks it as a result.

People with gum problems scored high in the citruline test around their mouth.

“Antibodies against citrullinated proteins are known to be a specific marker [of RA] that can be detected years before the onset of the disease, and their presence and serum levels correlate strongly with disease severity,” the researchers wrote.

During rheumatic arthritis, the body’s immune system misfires against its own tissues and joints that can cause inflammation, pain and joint damage.

People with rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease are more likely to test positive for the presence of anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA). Researchers found that these anti-bodies generate inflammation in the joints and elsewhere in the body.

There are more studies that prove gum disease and rheumatic arthritis are related to each other. There are evidences that connect oral health to systematic problems. Researchers found that there is a correlation between gum disease and stroke as well as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to maintain oral hygiene to keep gingivitis at bay before it leads to gum disease. Proper dental care can improve both joint and gum health.