Scientists have known that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is exacerbated and sometimes even pushed to manifest itself by the presence of periodontal disease. While their connection has only recently been scientifically confirmed, medicine held inklings of their intertwinement long into the past.
The historical treatment for systematic illnesses like RA often centered around the teeth, with pulling teeth or a round of antibiotics being administered. This intervention would treat the patient’s periodontal ailment, alleviating the symptoms of their RA. Much study has been done on their connection as of late; Tokyo Medical and Dental University and researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in conjunction, with the University Hospitals of Cleveland, have both revealed striking insights into the connections between humanity’s oral and joint health.
The researchers in Tokyo utilized a mechanistic animal model to investigate how periodontal disease exacerbates RA. Using the collagen antibody-induced arthritis mouse model, which closely mimics the symptoms of RA, they discovered that mice infected with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (a common periodontal bacteria) produced higher levels of inflammatory cells and showcased increased limb swelling and cellular infiltration into the joints.
They also discovered that administering clodronate, a chemical that depletes macrophage production, lessened the symptoms. This observation led them to conclude that macrophages were likely the factor linking periodontal disease to the aggravation of RA as their suppression led to improved symptoms.
Alongside this, researchers in the US confirmed that the treatment of periodontal disease brings relief to patients with RA. They cited the similar ailing effects of periodontal disease and RA—both afflictions involve soft and hard tissues being destroyed from the inflammation caused by bacterial infection toxins—as one potential explanation for their close symptomatic entanglement.
The researchers pulled one of the toxins known to mark when inflation was present in the body and synthesized an anti-toxin that was administered to half the patients. Then a random half between the administered and the non-administered received dental care. They found that the anti-toxin greatly relieved and diminished the symptoms of RA. This not only provides further evidence of these two afflictions’ connections but allows for the opportunity for further treatment to begin fully alleviating the pains of the illness.
As mentioned, these discoveries lead toward greater and more effective treatment options for RA. And while the expansion of care opportunities is fantastic, the best treatment is prevention. Dental health is not the only factor that contributes and exacerbates RA, but keeping on top of dental health can prevent and lessen any potential manifestations. Be sure to get your cleaning every six months, floss and brush regularly, and take care of your mouth so it can take care of you!
Works Cited
Case Western Reserve University. “Treating Gum Disease Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 29 May 2009.
International & American Associations for Dental Research. “www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150312123526.htm” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 March 2015.
Tokyo Medical and Dental University. “Shedding light on how oral bacteria can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 5 September 2024.