Scientists Discover Link Between Oral Health And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scientists in America have discovered a link between oral health and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers from the School of Dentistry at the University of Louisville, have suggested that poor oral health can increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis due to the presence of an enzyme, which is present when an individual has gum disease. This enzyme, known as peptidylarginine deiminanse, has also been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, which commonly causes the joints to become painful and swollen.
Peptidylarginine deiminanse causes the body to convert some proteins into a form of protein called citrulline. The body mistakes citrulline for a threat and starts to attack the protein, triggering inflammation in people who have autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Prior to the publication of this particular study, other research projects have also found a link between oral health and rheumatoid arthritis, with several finding that the condition is more prevalent among those who have gum disease.
Lead researcher, Jan Potempa, explained that the team analysed other forms of oral bacteria, which were found to have no effect on rheumatoid arthritis. He added that the study links gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis and said that further research in this area could be highly beneficial.
The study joins an increasingly large body of evidence, which supports the link between oral health and systemic illnesses. Previous studies have established a connection between gum disease and an increased risk of strokes, heart disease, diabetes, complications during pregnancy and Alzheimer’s disease.
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