Good Oral Health May Reduce Risk of Arthritis

Toronto, Canada (PRWEB), April 1, 2014 – Princeview Dental (PrinceviewDental.com), Etobicoke’s trusted dental clinic on the Kingsway, is responding to a study showing that proper dental hygiene may help to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.

“Flossing and brushing regularly is important for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Not only does it remove the bacteria that causes tooth decay, it also gets rid of the plaque that can cause gingivitis,” says Dr. Janice Mummery, founder of Princeview Dental. “Maintaining good oral hygiene has many benefits aside from brightening smiles; for example, brushing twice a day may just help those suffering from arthritis.”

A recent study by the University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry found that poor oral health may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. According to the researchers, they may have discovered a link between the bacterium that causes gingivitis and the early onset of rheumatoid arthritis. There’s also a link between the bacterium and the progression and severity of the disorder, which causes the small joints in the hands and feet to become painful and swollen. (Source: “Good dental health could reduce risk of arthritis: study,” 680 News web site, February 24, 2014; www.660news.com/2014/02/24/good-dental-health-could-reduce-risk-of-arthritis-study/.)

Dr. Mummery explains that while rheumatoid arthritis is not age-specific, it commonly begins after the age of 40, with women and people with gum disease being far more likely to be afflicted. People with gingivitis are also more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis.

“Though further evidence showing the link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis is needed, there is a growing body of evidence showing that there is a connection between gingivitis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as an increased risk of strokes, heart disease, diabetes, and complications during pregnancy,” Dr. Mummery adds. (Source: “Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments,” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research web site, August 2012; www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm.)

“In the coming years, rheumatoid arthritis will become more and more prevalent in the aging baby boomer population,” Brushing and flossing regularly is an excellent way to combat it; we recommend that our patients brush twice a day and floss regularly to prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria that may cause gum disease. We also advise our patients to schedule a check-up and cleaning every six months and to contact us if they feel anything is wrong with their teeth and gums.”

Founded in 1994 by a trusted dentist in Etobicoke, Princeview Dental offers a full range of dental services for all age groups, including preventive dentistry, restorative/cosmetic dentistry, “smile makeovers,” dental Implants and surgery, full and partial dentures, and treatment for gum disease. To learn more about Princeview Dental, visit the web site at www.PrinceviewDental.com.