Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

      Basis of Current Understanding: Largely Anecdotal

      Strength of Statistical Evidence:  Not Established

      Studies Link Periodontal Treatment to Reduction of Disease: No

      Reported Risk: No Risk Estimates Published

      The relationship between Periodontal Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis has received attention only over the last few years.  Scientists now know that gum disease can make Rheumatoid Arthritis worse.  Perhaps more importantly, early studies have indicated that when Periodontal Disease is controlled, joint pain, swelling and stiffness associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis decreases.

      It is not surprising that there is a relationship  between gum disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Like Periodontal Disease and Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease.  Many of the factors that cause swelling, pain and stiffness in Rheumatoid Arthritis are identical to the ones we see elevated locally or systemically in gum disease.  While there are no studies that have explored the relationship between these diseases systematically, we can speculate that reducing the cyctokines and inflammatory mediators created by Periodontal Disease could help reduce the overall level of these proteins in the joints and surrounding tissues.