How does rheumatoid arthritis affect oral health and what are prevention methods?

Written by Merwat Rashad

Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 08:00 p.m

How does rheumatoid arthritis relate to our oral health?

For nearly a century, researchers have hypothesized a link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, but the picture has recently become clearer, and some oral bacteria that cause gum disease may act as triggers for rheumatoid arthritis.

The same microbes can cause infections associated with rheumatoid arthritis and dental disease. Aggregatibacter Actinomycetamcomitans has been identified by researchers as the cause of gum disease and chronic periodontitis. Basically, the bacteria cause the synthesis of mutant proteins, which the immune system mistakes as foreign substances. . According to scientists, the inflammatory response to bacteria can spread throughout the body and cause rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Additionally, the jaw joint that opens and closes the mouth (temporomandibular joint) can be affected by arthritis. Swelling can develop along the ligaments, which can injure the joint and make opening the mouth painful or difficult.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis or other types of arthritis, you should be aware of these symptoms. Some types of X-rays can be helpful to get a good look at the joint and determine if there are any problems with inflammation. By using a bite guard at night, you can reduce TMJ symptoms.

Although the link between polyarthritis and RA is widely recognized in the medical field, we know that oral flora can affect RA, however, not all patients experience an A-to-B relationship. In other words, having rheumatoid arthritis can prevent the development of gum disease and vice versa, since it can take years for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms to appear, so a person with gum disease may have had them for ten years without realizing the connection before receiving a diagnosis of RA.

How to maintain good oral health?

Because your oral health affects your physical health, make sure you brush and floss regularly. If traditional brushing is painful or difficult, consider using a battery-operated toothbrush. Cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco can worsen oral health problems.

Oral bacterial infections can occur in people taking immunosuppressants. Swelling around the tooth or over the jaw, severe pain, fever, and swollen nodes around the jaw are all signs of infection. Regular dental visits are important.