Could Bacteria Which Cause Gum Disease Worsen The Effects Of Arthritis?
Research from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and an international group of scientists from the European Union’s Gums and Joints project has discovered that Porphyromonas gingivalis bacterium heightens the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. This may mean earlier development of the disease, further cartilage and bone damage and faster progression of the disease.
Scientists studying the problem discovered that P.gingvalis is responsible for an enzyme, peptidylarginine deiminanse (PAD) which encourages a specific collagen induced type of arthritis (CIA), which has similarities with RA. PAD converts some proteins into citrulline, which the body reads as intruders, causing an immune attack. With patients suffering with RA this causes chronic inflammation, which in turn causes the destruction of the cartilage and bone within the joints.
The researchers have therefore drawn a connection between periodontal disease and poor dental hygiene and an increased in the affects of RA. Other studies have also indicated this prevalence of RA amongst those also suffering with periodontal disease, who are at the very least twice as likely to suffer with RA.
Gum disease can often remain hidden before the true damage is recognisable, but bleeding gums are a good indication of the problem. Dentists also warn patients to look out for pain and sore around the gums, as well as gum tissue coming away from the tooth. Periodontal cleaning is one such way to treat the disease, but dentist encourage patients to maintain a good dental health routine of brushing and flossing to prevent the onset of the problem before it causes real damage.
Gum disease has also been linked in the past to heart disease, with research upon the problem continuing.
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