Bacterias causing parodontitis are certanly responsible for rheumatic arthritis

The close relationship between rheumatic arthritis (RA) and parodontitis is well known among dentists and rheumatologists. Latest studies now show, that a common oral bacteria in parodontitis patients can trigger rheumatic arthritis.

The oral bacteria „Porphyromonas gingivalis“ can change the structure of aminoacids in a way, they are recogniced and, as antigens, being attacked by patients own immunosytem. This leads to the synthesis of antibodys against body's own cells and to an internal inflamation, the beginning of rheumatism. On the other hand, evry second RA patient suffers on heavy parodontitis.

The fact, that RA patients simultaniously show a lack in fine motor skills leads inevitably to a worser oral hygiene which boosts the genesis of parodontal disseases. A vicious circle.

Due to this facts, more rheumatologists send their paitents to known dentists for an oral checkup an professional treatment. On the other hand, dentists have to take a closer look at rheumatological symptoms among their parodontal patients.