Can Periodontic Treatment Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Research is teaching us more and more about the links between chronic periodontal disease and other systemic (of the body) diseases. Patients suffering from the painful autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be interested in a recent report in Clinical Oral Investigations (March 27, 2018) which covered a study on the relationship between non-surgical periodontal treatment and symptoms of RA in 18 patients who had both chronic periodontal disease (CP) and RA.

The conclusions: Scaling and root planing (two deep-cleaning methods used to remove plaque and then smooth out the tooth root to keep plaque from re-attaching below the gum surface “improves periodontal conditions in chronic periodontitis patients  and… with a high level of oral hygiene may transiently decreases disease activity of RA.”

The abstract of the study concluded by stating that “in patients with RA and CP, non-surgical periodontal therapy is a relevant modality not only to improve the periodontal condition but also to decrease RA activity.”

Gum Disease Treatment at Our Practice

At the Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics, we utilize the revolutionary PerioLase MVP-7 laser to treat gum disease with the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®), an evidence-based treatment that can reverse gum disease. A safe burst of infrared light (about the width of only three human hairs!) destroys bacteria that cause periodontitis.

Interested in learning more? Make an appointment for a thorough diagnosis and consultation to see how we can treat gum disease with minimum discomfort and maximum benefits!