The new study found that people with the arthritis conditions and those at risk had higher levels in their saliva of two groups of bacteria, Prevotella and veillonella. Both groups also had higher levels of Veillonella in the bacterial coating of their tongue.

There may be a link between rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease.

Both may be associated to the microbiome or community of microbes in the mouth and intestines.

That is the conclusion of a study conducted at the Academic Center for Dentistry of Amsterdam (ACTA) in The Netherlands. The study appears in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology.

The study analyzed the microbial populations and gum condition of people with early rheumatoid arthritis, those at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and those diagnosed with the disease

Their conditions were then compared with a control group of people without these conditions.

The new study found that people with the arthritis conditions and those at risk had higher levels in their saliva of two groups of bacteria, Prevotella and veillonella.

Both groups also had higher levels of Veillonella in the bacterial coating of their tongue.

Prevotella and veillonella may cause inflammation. Their relative abundance suggests a possible link between oral microbes and rheumatoid arthritis.

The findings are significant because it remains uncertain how rheumatoid arthritis develops. It could be that genetic and environmental factors cause the ailment.

Researchers have suspected that unusual levels of certain bacteria in the mucus that lines the mouth and intestines may have something to do with it. When this is observed, gum disease may be observed as well.

Previous studies have found that people with early rheumatoid arthritis, those at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and those diagnosed with the disease tend to have higher rates of gum disease. There are also significant changes in the amount of microbes in their mouth and intestine.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a public health issue. About 1.5 million Americans, for example, suffer from the ailment which causes joint pain, swelling and eventually damage.

Researchers continue to look for new ways to diagnose the disease. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, joint damage and functional loss are prevented.

It has long been suspected that autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are triggered or caused by microorganisms.

Oral microbes – in particular anaerobic bacteria which do not require oxygen – may play a role.

It may be that bacteria may cause an immune response by producing proteins that trigger the formation of antibodies that fight the bacteria.

The detection of the antibodies is now considered an indicator of rheumatoid arthritis when detected in serum, the fluid component of blood.

Indeed, detecting the antibodies may even predict the risk of rheumatoid arthritis years before clinical symptoms appear.

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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the UE College of Dentistry, former Dean of the College of Dentistry, National University, past president and honorary fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy, and honorary fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists. Honorary Life Member of Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./WDJ