Link found between dental disease and arthritis Updated: 6/12/2008 12:01:00 PM Print Article Email Article           Researchers in Berlin, Germany have found a link between periodontal (gum) disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The results of their study, published in the Journal of Periodontology, showed that arthritic patients had a higher incidence of gum disease that healthy people. This could be because rheumatoid arthritis affects manual dexterity and therefore can impede a sufferer's oral care routine, such as brushing teeth or flossing, which in turn can lead to periodontis. However, as they found that people with this condition were nearly eight times more likely to have gum disease, the researchers suggested that poor oral hygiene alone could not account for the link. Dr Kenneth Kornman, editor of the journal, commented: "It is easy to assume that a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer is perhaps unable to properly care for his or her teeth and gums due to the debilitating nature of the disease … however, this study implies that there are other potential factors involved." He noted that as both arthritis and gum disease are inflammatory disorders, this could help explain the connection between the two. This link has been made in the past between periodontis and heart disease. Gum disease has also been associated with an increased risk of diabetes and premature labor. © 2008 Brafton Inc. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today! > Find my dentist > Find a ZIP code             Additional Articles Best man teeth? Try Madison, Wisconsin f... California proposes massive cuts in dent... Poor economy increasing dental emergenci... Dentists donate 2 days of dental care fo... Dental care for woman who superglued her... Dental care for woman superglued her tee... Dentist: Yearly visit minimum for dental... Dentist: Teeth fall out with lack of den... Sugarless gum can help with dental healt... Straightened teeth can enhance dental he... Nonprofit offers free dental care to at-... Director: Fluoride could improve dental ... Tongue piercing may negatively impact de... Director: North Carolina has dental care... AGD: Tap water better for dental health Dentist clears up dental care myths on m... Study: Dental health important for HIV i... New surgical laser provides hi-tech dent... BBC: Number of children needing dental c... Completeness, not order, counts in prope...

Search Plans & Dentists - F.A.Q.'s - Tell a Friend About Us - Bookmark This Page - Receive Our Newsletter - Return to Home Page