Over half of people with rheumatoid arthritis have periodontitis

Over half (56%) of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also have periodontitis (a chronic inflammatory disease of the gum and surrounding ligaments and bones that hold the teeth in place), displaying fewer teeth than healthy matched controls, high prevalence of oral sites presenting dental plaque and advanced attachment loss (the extent of periodontal support that has been destroyed around a tooth) (chi square p<0.05), according to the results of a new study presented today at eular 2009, the annual congress of the european league against rheumatism in copenhagen, denmark. in addition, these patients were found to have significantly higher ra disease activity and anti-ccp (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibody levels than others with ra who did not exhibit periodontitis (r=0.84, p<0.05; r=0.78, p<0.05).

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<p><a href="http://www.physorg.com/news164037830.html">Over half of people with rheumatoid arthritis have periodontitis</a></p> <p>Over half (56%) of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also have periodontitis (a chronic inflammatory disease of the gum and surrounding ligaments and bones that hold the teeth in place), displaying fewer teeth than healthy matched controls, high prevalence of oral sites presenting dental plaque and advanced attachment loss (the extent of periodontal support that has been destroyed around a tooth) (chi square p<0.05), according to the results of a new study presented today at eular 2009, the annual congress of the european league against rheumatism in copenhagen, denmark. in addition, these patients were found to have significantly higher ra disease activity and anti-ccp (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibody levels than others with ra who did not exhibit periodontitis (r=0.84, p<0.05; r=0.78, p<0.05).</p>