Friday, May 17, 2019

How Gum Disease is Linked to Arthritis

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are accomplished prosthodontists and often provide new teeth to people with severe gum disease. Periodontitis, the advanced form of gingivitis, can be treated, but it takes regular maintenance to prevent relapses. Recently, scientists have found evidence that it can also cause other diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differs from some other forms of arthritis in that it is an autoimmune disorder. It causes the immune system to attack synovium, the tissue that lines joints, making the joints painfully swollen. Smoking and family history increase a person’s risk of RA, but scientists recently found evidence that it is triggered by a chemical process called hypercitrullination. During hypercitrullination, the body deforms a large number of proteins, leading to the creation of an excessive number of anti-protein antibodies. The antibodies subsequently turn on synovium cells.


The acid secreted by oral bacteria triggers hypercitrullination as a means of self-defense. Researchers also found some evidence that treating gum infections can reduce RA symptoms. As oral surgeons, our job is not only to provide periodontitis patients with prosthetic teeth, but also to educate them on cleaning their prosthetics so that they won’t suffer further decay. We hope that understanding the connection between gum disease and arthritis will motivate more people to seek treatment and to be diligent about their hygiene.


The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.


 

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