Rhuematoid Arthritis Linked to Periodontal Disease

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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Pregnancy & Oral Health

In our recent Village Plaza newsletter, Dr. Damion Gilday  posted about a recent review of women's health studies that indicates a link between hormones and gum disease. Professor Charlene Krejci of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine found that the fluctuation of female hormones throughout their lives can change conditions in the mouth enough to allow bacteria to grow.

Higher bacteria levels can lead to periodontal issues and risks of bone loss, fetal complications and pre-term births. "There's definitely a gender-specific connection between women's hormones, gum disease, and specific health issues impacting women," Krejci said.

This becomes particularly important during pregnancy as women experience a tremendous hormonal shift. The ADA has worked closely with medical providers to provide information to the women they work with. At Village Plaza Dental, our dental team works with women to understand the unique health concerns they present.

Click here to download the Head Start OHRC publication on Oral Health.