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.

 

Oral Care with Arthritis and Other Hand Difficulties

Arthritis and other conditions that make hands difficult to use can have an unfortunate effect on oral health. It isn’t commonly thought of unless you are actually going through it. At Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, IL, we want all of our patients to be able to take care of their teeth. Take some of these tips!

Brushing your teeth can be difficult with stiff and painful hands. Make it easier on yourself by purchasing a toothbrush with a non-slip grip and a thick handle. This, along with a small toothbrush head will make maneuvering the toothbrush around your mouth a bit easier. Electric toothbrushes are even better for patients with hand trouble, as they do most of the work. They just need to be held in the right positions.

Next, you want to be sure you are still flossing. Cavities are actually more likely to form between your teeth than anywhere else in the mouth. Floss picks are available that do not involve holding on to thin string. However, if you prefer classic dental floss, make sure you are using a piece about eighteen inches long. Wrap the excess around your fingers and hands to make the floss nice and taught. Rotate the floss as you go. It may help to tie the floss into a loop.

One last thing has to do with your toothpaste. It can be hard to unscrew the cap with stiff hands, especially when it gets sticky from toothpaste. Instead, look for a toothpaste that has a flip cap. These are much easier to open and close.

Hand conditions like arthritis may make oral care more difficult, but with some minor tweaks, you can make things go more smoothly. Also, be sure to schedule your routine cleaning and examinations here at Bayberry Dental Care. To schedule in our Tinley Park, IL office call us at (708) 802-8300. We can also be contacted through our website, www.bayberrydentalcare.com.