Tarzana Dentist, Dr. Shahkarami, Comments on the Study Linking Gum Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis

    TARZANA, CA, August 14, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Gum disease is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Caused by oral bacteria, gum disease begins when gums become inflamed and irritated. Over time, the gum tissue is increasingly infected, and eventually, the gums pull away from the teeth, allowing bacteria to access other oral structures. Gum disease is linked not just to oral problems such as lost teeth but also other health issues, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A recent study linked gum disease to rheumatoid arthritis as well. Tarzana dentist, Dr. Shahkarami, comments on this study, which was presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology.

The study revealed that periodontal bacteria and gum disease are common in people with rheumatoid arthritis and those who are at high risk of RA. RA is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes pain and disability in the joints and may affect internal organs. Compared to healthy controls, people who were at risk of RA were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with clinical gum disease.

Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, which are associated with RA, are often present before joint symptoms occur. P. gingivalis, the bacterium responsible for gum disease, is capable of generating citrullinated proteins, and researchers theorize that the resulting inflammation could trigger a cascade resulting in the autoimmune response that leads to RA.

While keeping gums healthy is not necessarily enough to prevent RA, good dental hygiene is essential for those at risk of RA. Dr. Shahkarami offers comprehensive preventive dental care, including routine cleanings, check-ups and fluoride treatments as well as periodontal therapy to prevent and treat gum disease. She also offers other treatments, such as root canal therapy, dental sedation, dental veneers and sleep apnea treatments.

About Dr. Anoosheh Shahkarami

"I know that pain-free, aesthetically satisfying, contemporary treatment improves the quality of life for my patients," Dr. Shahkarami said. Dr. Shahkarami graduated from the University of the Pacific in 2003. She is active in continuing education so that she can continue to provide her patients with the latest dental care techniques and technologies. She has a special interest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign and dental implants.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/06/180615094825.htm

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