Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Gum Disease?

Do you know that there is a connection between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis? It’s not something that many people are aware of, but it is definitely worth knowing about. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, and gum disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to see Dr. Kevin Varley at Stonebrook Family Dental regularly for checkups. He can help keep your gums healthy and may be able to spot any signs of gum disease early on.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. It typically leads to warm, swollen, and painful joints. RA mainly attacks the joints, usually many joints at once. RA commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. In a joint with RA, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing damage to joint tissue. This tissue damage can cause long-lasting or chronic pain, unsteadiness (lack of balance), and deformity (misshapenness). RA can also affect other tissues throughout the body and cause problems in organs such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and they may come and go. Some people have long periods of remission, where their symptoms disappear for months or even years at a time. The most common RA symptoms include:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Inflammation of the joints
• Tenderness and warmth around the joints
• Joint swelling and redness
• Fatigue
• Fever

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can eventually lead to tooth loss. It is caused by bacteria in the mouth, and it can be aggravated by things like poor oral hygiene, smoking, and diabetes. It typically starts out as gingivitis, which is a milder form of gum disease. Gingivitis can usually be reversed with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. If it is left untreated, though, it can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, and it can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The early stages of gum disease may not cause any symptoms, which is why regular dental checkups are so important. As the disease progresses, however, you may experience:

• Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
• Receding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Painful chewing

The Connection between RA and Gum Disease

There is a connection between RA and gum disease because they are both inflammatory disorders. The inflammation from RA can actually make gum disease worse. Additionally, the medications that are used to treat RA can also cause problems with the gums. For example, steroids can cause gum swelling and bone loss.

One study found that if you have RA, you are twice as likely to have gum disease as those without it. Another study found that 65% of people with RA also had gum disease, compared to only 28% of people without RA. In both studies, experts found that the severity of periodontal disease was also worse in people with RA.

Experts found bacteria from your mouth in the fluid between your joints (called synovial fluid) in people with RA and other forms of arthritis. They believe that the bacteria moves through damaged gum tissue, enters into your bloodstream, and then escapes to other parts of your body.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, there are some things you can do to help prevent gum disease. First, it is important to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Additionally, you should see Dr. Varley regularly for checkups and cleanings. He can help keep your gums healthy and may be able to spot any signs of gum disease early on.

Gum Disease Treatment

If you already have gum disease, there are treatments that can help. Dr. Varley may recommend a deep cleaning, which involves removing the tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth. He may also prescribe medication to help control the infection. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage that has been done.

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to see Dr. Varley at Stonebrook Family Dental regularly for checkups. He can help keep your gums healthy and may be able to spot any signs of gum disease early on. To schedule an appointment, contact us today!