If you are an arthritis sufferer, you are twice as likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease. Findings published by the Journal of Periodontology stated patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) had an average tooth loss of 11.6 teeth compared to 6.7 teeth of other participants in the study. Periodontal disease is the country’s number one cause of tooth loss and has been linked to serious health problems. These include coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, and memory loss.

RA is the leading cause of disability and limits the daily activities of over 7 million Americans. We are sensitive to the physical limitations RA can cause and offer these tips to make oral hygiene at home easier.
• Use water irrigators to help remove food particles and plaque between teeth.
• Electric toothbrushes and floss holders can reduce the effort required by hands.
• Wrap toothbrush handles with a sponge hair roller for a thicker grip.
• Replace knob-type faucets with levers, which are easier to turn on and off.
• Insufficient saliva in the mouth increases the risk of bacterial growth. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. If you take medications that are drying, oral rinses can help. Minimize caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, all of which are drying to oral tissues.

With a good oral care commitment, RA sufferers should be able to maintain a healthy smile and prevent tooth loss. If you suffer with arthritis, overcoming the physical limitations to protect your smile will serve as a constant reminder that you have a ‘good grip’ on your health!

Healthy gums reduce your risk for systemic inflammation and might be good for your heart as well! Through studies, the American Heart Association (AHA) supports that there is an association between periodontal disease and heart disease. Their findings join previous conclusions of the American Academy of Periodontology along with statements published in the American Journal of Cardiology and by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

The relationship between the two diseases seems to be the result of chronic inflammation. Development of cardiovascular disease in some patients can be triggered by the inflammation of gum disease. Like many serious diseases, periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are both complex diseases that develop over time and can stem from a number of factors.

For example, tremendous research has been devoted to breast cancer. Still, no one can say for sure what causes it to develop. Although certain risk factors increase one’s potential, a direct link is unknown. The same dilemma exists with periodontal disease and coronary artery disease. While it’s known that gum disease inflammation triggers a reaction in the coronary system, pinpointing how the process leads to heart disease is yet undetermined.

The American Heart Association points out, however, the association is real and independent of shared risk factors, including smoking, being overweight and a family history of heart disease. Just because we don’t have all the answers at this time, the AHA warns of the increased risk and encourages reducing the potential of developing periodontal disease.

Additional long-term studies are needed to better understand the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. For now, just know that healthy gums help to minimize harmful inflammation in the body, therefore, reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease.

For those who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, prompt treatment is advised to restore your gums to a healthy state. Periodontal disease only worsens without treatment and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, in addition to health risks throughout the body. Early symptoms include gums that bleed easily when brushing, swollen gums that are tender and red, and persistent bad breath.

To learn more, visit the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology: www.perio.org.

While baby boomers are cautious about some symptoms that can signal serious health conditions, an Academy of General Dentistry survey found that 63% of ages 45 to 64 were unaware that symptoms in their mouths may be linked to a more serious condition.

For instance:
• Bad breath and bleeding gums can indicate diabetes – The American Diabetes Association reports that 90 to 95% of diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes, which usually begins after age 45. Unfortunately, only 29% of the baby boomers surveyed were aware of this connection.

• After the age of 45, the risk of developing heart disease triples. – According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading killer of Americans. While a sore and painful jaw can be a warning sign that a heart attack may be looming, a whopping 60% surveyed did not identify these symptoms as warning signs.

Researchers believe that certain diseases often manifest themselves in the mouth. The survey revealed that 25% of baby boomers, although unaware of the connection of these symptoms, had experienced at least one of the symptoms they ignored.

We encourage patients to share any oral symptom they’ve experienced so we can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy as well as pinpoint areas that may require medical care.