Arthritis and Gum Disease

If you have pain in your joints, gum disease may be to blame. May is National Arthritis Month, and to help our patients prevent joint inflammation, we at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park want to pass along some important new research into how oral bacteria may be related to rheumatic disorders.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the patient’s immune system attacks their synovium, the soft tissue that lines joints. The synovium thickens in response, becoming stiff and painful. The causes of rheumatism have remained elusive, although we know that smoking and genetics are contributing factors. Synovium and gum tissue share a similar cellular make-up, and scientists were interested in whether they became inflamed in response to similar factors.

Research found that the acid produced by a certain kind of pathological oral bacteria causes excessive deformation of proteins, a process called hypercitrullination. The immune system overproduces antibodies to eliminate the proteins and compromised cells, and the antibodies attack synovium. Scientists have also found some evidence that treating gum disease reduces arthritis symptoms in people with rheumatism, so we hope that our patients won’t delay coming in for their regular deep cleanings.

Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171^st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit Bayberry Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.