At Village Plaza Dental, Dr. Damion Gilday and his staff keep on top of the latest wellness research. Recently a study was published regarding the links between rhuematoid arthritis and periodontal (gum) disease. What do the two have in common?
"The common denominator here is the inflammatory aspect of both diseases,"
according to President of the New Jersey Society of Periodontists Dr. Scott
Zirkin. Because chronic bacterial infection is associated with periodontal
disease, the system experiences an inflammatory response. The ensuing chronic
inflammation not only taxes the immune system but it can destroy connective
tissue and bone tissue, both teeth and joints.
So here's
the good news for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. A study in the Journal of Periodontology found that people who suffer from both periodontal disease and
rheumatoid arthritis had fewer swollen joints and stiffness when they brought
their periodontal disease under control.
"The mouth/body
connection is very strong and should not be underestimated by those living with
arthritis or their caregivers," says Zirkin. We would like to take that one step
further and tell you that the mouth/body connection should not be underestimated
by any of our patients because there are many body-related complications
associated with periodontal disease, not just rheumatoid arthritis.
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