Gum Disease, Systemic links and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Gum Disease, Systemic links and Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are two types of gum disease; they are called gingivitis and periodontitis. These are infections of the mouth caused by bacteria. The mouth contains the highest amount of bacteria in the body; hundreds of different types thrive in its environment. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in the UK.
The bacteria in the mouth travel throughout the body via inhalation, ingestion and circulation causing adverse effects to it.
Signs and Symptoms of gum disease:
Bleeding
Redness
Swelling
Loose teeth
Drifting to a different position
Gum recession
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Foul Taste in mouth
Occasionally Discomfort
Symptomless
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease therefore its patients are more prone to gum disease because of the heightened inflammatory response throughout the body. There is a certain bacterium that is involved in gum disease that can be found within fluid surrounding joints. This can worsen  the inflammation and pain.
For further reading and information: (Agnihotri and Gaur 2014)