Rice University scientists have linked infectious processes in dental pulp and periodontal tissues with rheumatoid arthritis: the same bacteria become the cause of these diseases. The results of the research have been published magazine Science Translation Medicine.
The authors found traces of bacteria associated with periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease, and others) in blood samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Bacteria cause inflammation and damage the lining of the mouth, allowing them to enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, causing arthritis.
According to team members, regular visits to the dentist will help cope not only with gum disease, but also with joint pain.
In addition, scientists put forward the theory that cancer can also be triggered by viruses and bacteria. Now the team’s research has focused on examining this model.