Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis should consult their dentist regularly, advises the IWW Institute's specialist journal "Zahnmedizin Report". This is because careful oral hygiene and - if necessary - restoration of the periodontium can significantly improve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, writes rheumatologist Dr. med. Jacqueline Detert from Charité Berlin in the February issue of the scientific information service.
Connections between the inflammatory diseases periodontitis (inflammation of the tooth bed) and rheumatoid arthritis have been discussed for some time - both show similar mechanisms of inflammation, autoimmune reaction and tissue destruction. One bacterium that plays a key role in the development and progression of periodontitis is the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. It also appears to have a direct effect on rheumatoid arthritis via a reaction chain.
Recent studies show that periodontitis treatment can alleviate severe forms of articular rheumatism - for example arthritic pain, the number of swollen joints and the degree of morning stiffness. Conversely, treatment of arthritis with TNF-alpha inhibitors also has a positive effect on periodontal inflammation.
Editorial offices can request the article "Do periodontitis bacteria increase rheumatic diseases?" and the dossier "Periodontology and rheumatism" from the IWW Institute's editorial team.
