Does gum disease indicate future joint problems? Researchers and clinicians have shown an association between two prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases—periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
A new article reports that scientists have uncovered how one of the main bacteria responsible for periodontal disease worsens RA by leading to earlier onset, faster progression and greater severity of the disease, including increased bone and cartilage destruction.
This bacterium produces a unique enzyme which enhances collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a form of arthritis similar to RA produced in the lab. In RA patients, the result is chronic inflammation responsible for bone and cartilage destruction within the joints.
Studies indicate that compared to the general population, people with periodontal disease have an increased prevalence of RA and, periodontal disease is at least two times more prevalent in RA patients.
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association between two prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases—periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—the microbiological mechanisms have remained unclear.