Recent research shows there is a strong connection between RA and gum disease. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that people with RA were eight times more likely to develop gum disease than patients without RA. Another report that focused on 95 people with RA showed that 40 percent of them had at least a moderate form of periodontal disease.

While it is still unsure how gum disease and RA are linked, both deal with inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a protective immune system response to viruses and bacteria. In RA, the inflammatory response causes joints to become stiff, swollen, and painful.

There is a possibility that the immune system is triggered by inflammation and infection in the mouth which causes the body’s joints to become inflamed and arthritic. Better dental care could be the key to controlling inflammation and reducing the incidence and severity of RA.

Studies have actually shown that when people with severe RA received treatment for their gum disease, their pain and arthritis got better.

Gum disease is a condition that causes the gums to become swollen, red, and tender. Although gum disease cannot be cured, it can be treated by a periodontal gum specialist. Dr. Joseph Nemeth, Detroit area periodontist can treat your gum disease with FDA approved laser gum therapy.

For more information on treating gum disease with laser gum therapy in Metro-Detroit, please contact our periodontal office at 248-357-3100.