Are Arthritis and Gum Disease Connected?

At Periodontal Associates of Jackson, we put the oral and overall health of our patients at the forefront of what we do. Over the course of our blog posts, and patient visits, many of you know all about gum disease, its causes, symptoms, side effects, and treatment options. In the spirit of furthering your knowledge on gum disease and your overall health, the team at Periodontal Associated of Jackson has some important information for you.

Recently, there was a study conducted at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio about the connection between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gum disease. At CWRU, researchers conducted a study with forty participants. These participants were broken up into two different groups; one would receive deep cleanings, the other would not. As the study progressed, within just six weeks, those who received a deep cleaning experienced significantly less painful, swollen, and stiff joints than those who did not receive a deep cleaning. The reason for this, is the belief that the bacteria in your mouth that causes inflammation and gum disease can also speed up the development of RA. So, if you are suffering from RA, a good treatment option may be to get your gums checked out and treated with a deep cleaning.

If you are suffering from gum disease or RA and want relief, feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment at our office in Jackson, MS.