Dr. Mark J. Weingarden

A recent article from the February issue of the Journal of Periodontology shows a relationship between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Patients that had rheumatoid arthritis were far more likely to have moderate to severe periodontitis, and when they did it was manifested by higher acute-phase responses, and a higher number of tender and/or swollen joints.  It was postulated that periodontitis may be a risk factor for both rheumatoid arthritis onset and its progression. 

Some important points:

1. In addition to potentially worsening rheumatoid arthritis, the bacteria load associated with moderate to advanced periodontitis can be considerable and may have systemic implications including seeding itself to prosthetic joints.
2. Unfortunately, recent assessments have shown that fewer than half of general dentists examine their patients for periodontal disease, and that the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease is now considerably worse in our population than twenty years ago.  It can not be taken for granted that because a patient sees a dentist that they are periodontally healthy.  There usually are no symptoms.  

If you would like the entire article, please don’t hesitate to call and I would be happy to forward it to you. 

Mark J. Weingarden, D.M.D.

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