Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition-where your immune system attacks your own body-that causes swelling in the joints of the body, especially around the hands, feet, and wrists.So where does brushing your teeth fit in? According to US researchers, there is a link between the bacteria that causes gum disease, and how early the arthritis develops and how severe it is.
Scientists at the University of Louisville's School of Dentistry in Kentucky discovered that gum disease produces a unique enzyme, which "enhances" collagen-induced arthritis-a type of arthritis similar to rheumatoid arthritis. The enzyme-called PAD-then changes proteins in the body into a different protein called citrulline. The body identifies citrulline as an intruder and then attacks it. For people who have rheumatoid arthritis or those who are prone to it, this means chronic inflammation. Previous studies have revealed that gum disease is at least twice "more prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis patients." Early results suggest that the enzyme PAD may be the link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Preventing gum disease decreases the presence of the enzyme and may decrease the overall risks or severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
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God Bless,
DRT
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