Periodontal disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis | 30388 Dentist

Dentist Near Me

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are a systemic inflammatory disorder, which is how they have a connection. Both diseases frustrate the immune system and attacks its own tissues, eventually leading to tooth loss and pain of joints. Learn about the connection and what you can do to protect your overall health.

Dentist in Dunwoody, GA 30388

Studies show a strong connection between RA and gum disease, an inflammatory condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. Both diseases have inflammation in common, which explains the connection. Inflammation is a protective immune system response to viruses and bacteria. RA is an autoimmune disease which causes it to mistakenly trigger inflammation even if there are no viruses or bacteria present. Also, Brushing and flossing can be challenging for those with RA. In the journal PLoS Pathogens, they found that the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, increases the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, leads to an earlier onset of the disease, and causes symptoms to progress quickly.

It is important for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to be brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. It is very important to work with your doctors to find out what works best for you.  People who have both gum disease and RA should have an informed care team comprised of both a physician and a periodontist. If you don’t have a periodontist, you should get an evaluation from your dentist every year to monitor the status of your gums. Research has found that when patients with RA successfully treat gum disease, pain and other symptoms get better.

For patients with RA, one must pay close attention to oral health and schedule regular dental exams, eat healthy and always brush and floss. If you have trouble taking care of your teeth due to stiff, painful hands or jaws, speak to your dentist or therapist about ways to make dental care easier. Here are some tips as to how you can make dental care easier to manage:

  • Toothbrush: add a tennis ball or bicycle grip to better handle your toothbrush
  • Floss: experiment with different type of floss
  • Toothpaste: using toothpaste in a pump may be easier for you than toothpaste you have to squeeze

If you have any questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, contact our Dunwoody, GA 30388 dental office to schedule a consultation and what we can do for you.

Veal Dental Care
Phone: (770) 395-1155
1867 Independence Square, Ste 104
Dunwoody, GA 30388

Accepted Insurances

General and Cosmetic Dentist in Dunwoody, GA

At Veal Dental Care, our goal is patient satisfaction. We strive to make every service achievable and affordable for all patients. We proudly accept most major insurance policies and offer flexible financing options with third -party financing companies. For more information about our insurance policies or payment methods, please call our office.

Read our Dunwoody Dental Blog

General and Cosmetic Dentist in Dunwoody, GA

Chewing Gum for Your Oral Health | Dunwoody GA ...

Sugary, sticky, and sweet candies can damage your teeth by increasing your risk of decay. Though gum can be considered a type of candy, chewing

Understanding Periodontal Disease | Dunwoody GA...

You may have heard periodontal disease referred to as gum disease or gingivitis.  Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of you...

Oral Cancer Risk Factors | Dunwoody GA Dentist

During a comprehensive dental examination, our team will look for signs of oral cancer. Early detection is key with oral cancer. If caught early, most