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The Link Between Gum Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Happy dentist patient

Gum disease is a serious oral health condition. Not only is it the leading cause of tooth loss, but it has also been linked several overall health issues including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Most recently, rheumatoid arthritis has been added to this list. Studies indicate that rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease seem to have a two-way connection.

While the connection between RA and gum disease can be confusing, it is undeniably there. A German study published in June 2008 in the Journal of Periodontology revealed that people with RA were eight times more likely to get gum disease as compared to those without RA.

When you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it can be challenging to maintain your brushing and flossing routine, as many patients lose some dexterity. This can obviously increase one’s chances of developing gum disease due to additional bacteria and plaque buildup in the mouth.

However, the most influential factor in linking these two conditions is inflammation. Both RA and gum disease are considered inflammatory conditions. Our immune system naturally triggers an inflammatory response process as a means to protect ourselves against bacteria and other foreign bodies. However, with RA, the body mistakenly develops inflammation even when bacteria or viruses are not present.

Gum disease is essentially inflammation caused by infection within the soft tissues of the mouth, which can lead to inflammation in the body if it is not treated. Therefore, researchers claim that gum disease can “set off” the immune system and aggravate or accelerate RA inflammation in the joints. While gum disease can make RA worse or trigger an earlier onset, the reverse connection can be quite beneficial. By controlling inflammation with proper dental care, patients may experience a reduction in RA symptoms.

At Mitzi Morris, DMD, we always want to know about any medical conditions that you have before we begin treatment. In many cases, there is a link to your oral health, and we can help you better manage your condition or recommend more frequent dental care maintenance. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you can trust that our office is exceptionally equipped to diagnose and treat signs of gum disease. We want to do our part in helping you avoid worsening arthritis symptoms if possible.

Posted on behalf of Mitzi D. Morris

1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202
Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: 678-459-2990

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

  • Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

    Cathy Q
  • Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

    Kelly T
  • Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods. I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

    Eric F
  • I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

    Christopher P
  • Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

    David G
  • I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++ Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

    Adam O
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

    Bruce C
  • I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.

    Marc Mamane

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Contact Us

Phone

678-459-2990

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Address

1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202
Roswell, GA 30076

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