Dentist Near Me | Periodontal disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Buffalo Grove, IL Dentist

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Dentist Buffalo Grove
Dentist Buffalo Grove

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are a systemic inflammatory disorder, which is how they have a connection. Both diseases frustrate the immune system and attacks its own tissues, eventually leading to tooth loss and pain of joints. Learn about the connection and what you can do to protect your overall health.

Studies show a strong connection between RA and gum disease, an inflammatory condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. Both diseases have inflammation in common, which explains the connection. Inflammation is a protective immune system response to viruses and bacteria. RA is an autoimmune disease which causes it to mistakenly trigger inflammation even if there are no viruses or bacteria present. Also, Brushing and flossing can be challenging for those with RA. In the journal PLoS Pathogens, they found that the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, increases the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, leads to an earlier onset of the disease, and causes symptoms to progress quickly.

It is important for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to be brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. It is very important to work with your doctors to find out what works best for you.  People who have both gum disease and RA should have an informed care team comprised of both a physician and a periodontist. If you don’t have a periodontist, you should get an evaluation from your dentist every year to monitor the status of your gums. Research has found that when patients with RA successfully treat gum disease, pain and other symptoms get better.

For patients with RA, one must pay close attention to oral health and schedule regular dental exams, eat healthy and always brush and floss. If you have trouble taking care of your teeth due to stiff, painful hands or jaws, speak to your dentist or therapist about ways to make dental care easier. Here are some tips as to how you can make dental care easier to manage:

  • Toothbrush: add a tennis ball or bicycle grip to better handle your toothbrush
  • Floss: experiment with different type of floss
  • Toothpaste: using toothpaste in a pump may be easier for you than toothpaste you have to squeeze

If you have any questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, contact our office to schedule a consultation and what we can do for you.

See what our patients are saying

Buffalo Grove, IL Dentist

Buffalo Grove Dentist

“Everyone at Morris Dental Solutions is so kind and easy to talk to. Most importantly, I always leave with clean teeth and supportive advice to answer any of my questions.” – Hannah

“As a physician, I place tremendous value on seeking care for myself and family from the most capable, technically competent, and clinically up to date colleagues. Morris Dental Solutions provides this and more. I have always been treated with the utmost care and courtesy by all of their doctors and staff. Morris Dental Solutions listens and cares, and those are the most important values of all!” – Aaron

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Location

Dentist in Buffalo Grove, IL
195 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Suite 160
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Office Hours

Monday: 10am – 7pm
Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 8am – 1pm

Office hours are subject to change, please call our office for an explanation of temporary changes.

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