Rheumatoid arthritis affects around 400,000 adults in the UK. Researchers have been looking at the mouth as one piece of the puzzle.
What the research shows
-People with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to have gum disease, and the association appears in many studies.
-The gum bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis makes an enzyme that can change proteins in a way (citrullination) that is also seen in rheumatoid arthritis. This has made it a focus of research into how the condition might begin in some people.
-Some small studies have found that treating gum disease was followed by modest improvements in measures of arthritis activity.
What it doesn't show
The treatment studies are small and of mixed quality, and it isn't proven that gum disease causes rheumatoid arthritis. The two share risk factors, smoking among them. Gum treatment is not a treatment for arthritis.
Why it matters in practice
-Arthritis can make brushing and cleaning between teeth harder, which raises the risk of gum problems.
-Some arthritis medicines affect the immune system, so it's important your dentist knows what you take.
What this means for you
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, make gum health part of your routine. Chunky-handled or electric toothbrushes and interdental brushes can make cleaning easier on sore hands.
Please speak to your GP about your general health, and don't stop or change any treatment because of anything you read here.
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