Did you know that treating your gums can reduce the severity of arthritis?

In a June 2009 article in HygieneTown, Ortiz, et al reported that "treatment of moderate to severe periodontitis might relieve the symptoms of arthritis." Both Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and periodontal disease are classified as chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by local destruction of both hard and soft tissues. Both diseases release cytokines or proteins from inflammatory cells and thus the progression of one disease can impact the progression of the other and vice versa.

For the purpose of this study, researchers at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, provided non-surgical periodontal therapy to 20 patients diagnosed with RA. A second group of 20 was formed as a control goup and also consisted of RA patients. All patients were taking medications to control RA and half the group was taking an anti TNF drug. Those takeing the anti-TNF drug were randomly assigned to both the treatment group and the control group.

Baseline exams included blood tests, DSA28, and periodontal clinical indices. Half the group received Scaling and Root planing and oral hygiene instructions and each member of both groups were evaluated after six weeks.

Those receiving non-surgical therapy showed improvement in their periodontal health and those taking the TNF drug showed greater healing than those who were not taking the drug. Scaling and Root Planing subjects not taking the anti-TNF drugs showed significant improvement in periodontal indices as well as indicators of RA severity compared to controls, either taking TNF or not. serum TNF levels were reduced for those receiving periodontal treatment compared to controls.

According to Ortiz et al, the study revealed the following clinical implications: "Treatment of moderate to sever periodontitis might relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis." Visit http://www.hygienetown.com/ for the complete story.

For more information about the perio-systemic link, visit any of the following resource websites

• http://www.theperiogroup.com/
• http://www.perio.org/
• http://www.hygienetown.com/

or call Dr. I. Stephen Brown at The Perio Group (215) 735-3660.