Rheumatoid arthritis 'linked to gum disease'

People with rheumatoid arthritis may need to get checked for gum disease, as new research finds the two conditions may be linked.

A study published in the Journal of Periodontology, found people who have both gum disease and severe arthritis can help their joint pain by curing their dental problems.

The research found that reducing or eliminating pain and infection in the gums can help to decrease the pain experienced due to arthritis.

It is not the first study of its kind, with it advancing on findings from German scientists last year.

This previous research found people with arthritis are eight times more likely to suffer from gum disease than people without the condition.

Dr Kenneth Kornman, editor of the Journal of the Periodontology, said of the former study that the reduced flexibility of arthritis sufferers will lead to the gum problems.

He stated this is "easy to assume" but the researchers found poor oral hygiene was not a factor.

<< Back

News provided by Adfero in collaboration with Biomet. Please note that all copy is (c) Adfero Ltd and does not reflect the views or opinions of Biomet unless explicitly stated.