Bacteria That Cause Gum Disease May Also Worsen Arthritis

For years researchers and clinicians have known there was an association between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  But until recently they didn't understand the microbiological mechanisms.

In an article recently published in PLoS Pathogens, University of Louisville School of Dentistry Oral Health and Systemic Diseases group researcher Jan Potempa, PhD, DSc, and an international team of scientists from the European Union’s Gums and Joints project have discovered how the bacterium responsible for periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis worsens RA by leading to earlier onset, faster progression and greater severity of the disease, including increased bone and cartilage destruction.
I'll repeat that because it's so important; the bacteria that causes periodontal disease has been shown to worsen rheumatoid arthritis.

As the release states, the scientists found that P. gingivalis produces a unique enzyme, peptidylarginine deiminanse (PAD) which then enhances collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a form of arthritis similar to RA produced in the lab. PAD changes residues of certain proteins into citrulline, and the body recognizes citullinated proteins as intruders, leading to an immune attack. In RA patients, the subsequent result is chronic inflammation responsible for bone and cartilage destruction within the joints.

The bottom line is that our mouth is connected to our entire body.  If you want to take care of your body, take care of your mouth.  More and more research continues to be published that supports this.  If you have any questions, feel free to visit our website at www.parkcitydentistry.com or call our office at 435-649-4343.