Scientists Identify Link Between Oral Health And Rheumatoid Arthiritis

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Scientists in Australia have identified a link between oral health and rheumatoid arthritis.

According to researchers at the University of Adelaide, patients who have rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to lose teeth as a result of periodontal disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which causes the body to attack healthy tissues, mistaking them for a threat; this results in inflammation and bone cartilage loss.

Melissa Cantley, a doctoral candidate at the University of Adelaide said that rheumatoid arthritis affects tissues in the mouth, as well as gum disease affecting rheumatoid arthritis and described the relationship between oral health and rheumatoid arthritis as “complex.” Cantley, who is under the supervision of associate professor David Haynes, said that the research model can now be used to further understanding of the dynamic between oral health and arthritis.

Research studies also revealed that mice with gum disease alone showed signs of bone loss in their joints, as well as mice with only arthritis.

Research is now underway to determine if treating periodontitis can help to ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

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