At 1 Smile Dental, we believe that a healthy smile goes hand in hand with a healthy body. More and more research is showing just how connected your oral health is to your overall wellness—and one of the most eye-opening connections is between gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
A major article in Current Opinion in Rheumatology (PMC4495574) dives into this link, and the findings are fascinating—and important for your health.
Gum disease is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It often starts off as mild irritation or bleeding (gingivitis), but if it’s not treated, it can lead to serious damage—including tooth loss. But what many people don’t realize is that gum disease can also affect other parts of your body.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. It mainly affects the joints, but it can impact other parts of the body too. Like gum disease, it’s driven by chronic inflammation.
Here’s where it gets interesting. The research points to a bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is commonly found in severe gum infections. This bacteria is capable of triggering a process called citrullination—basically, it changes proteins in a way that can confuse your immune system and lead it to attack healthy tissue. That process is a key factor in RA.
Some of the key connections between RA and gum disease include:
Shared Inflammation: Both conditions involve high levels of inflammation markers like TNF-α and interleukin-1β, which break down tissue over time.
Bacterial Trigger: The bacteria in gum disease may play a role in kicking off the autoimmune reaction seen in RA.
Antibody Production: Gum disease can lead to the production of ACPAs (anti-citrullinated protein antibodies), which are closely linked to the development of RA.
Two-Way Relationship: People with RA often have more severe gum disease, and research has shown that treating gum disease can actually help reduce RA symptoms.
We take a whole-health approach to dentistry because we know your mouth doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s connected to everything else going on in your body. If you or someone you care about is living with RA, keeping your gums healthy might help reduce inflammation in your joints too.
Even if you don’t have arthritis, signs of gum disease—like bleeding when you brush, bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth—are important warning signs not to ignore.
At 1 Smile Dental, we offer a full range of dental services designed to protect both your oral and overall health:
Advanced Gum Treatment: From deep cleanings to laser therapy, we have solutions to stop gum disease in its tracks.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Veneers, smile makeovers, and whitening treatments to boost your confidence.
Orthodontics: We offer both traditional braces and Invisalign® to align your bite and improve your smile.
Dental Implants: Permanent solutions to replace missing teeth and restore chewing power.
Thorough Exams: Including digital X-rays and oral cancer screenings to catch problems early.
Whole-Body Dental Care: We’ll work with your doctors if needed to ensure your care is coordinated and comprehensive.
Whether you’re dealing with gum disease, looking to enhance your smile, or just due for a checkup, we’re here for you. Our patients come from across Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago area, including:
Schererville, IN
Merrillville, IN
Munster, IN
Crown Point, IN
Dyer, IN
St. John, IN
Gary, IN
Valparaiso, IN
Chicago, IL
At 1 Smile Dental, we’re not just treating teeth—we’re looking out for your whole health. Call us today to schedule a visit. Your smile (and your joints) will thank you.
As your trusted Schereville dentist, we offer a range of services and utilize advanced dental technology to provide our patients with quality, precise and comfortable care. Building relationships with our patients built on trust is the key to our success.