Clean teeth can hold off arthritis: Scientists discover link between gum disease bacteria and early onset of the condition

• Link between gum disease bacterium and onset of rheumatoid arthritis
• Bacterium produces enzyme which reacts with residue of certain proteins
• Body recognises these proteins as intruders, leading to an immune attack

Brushing your teeth well could help prevent arthritis, scientists claim. Researchers found a link between the bacterium responsible for gum disease and earlier onset of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as faster progression and greater severity of the condition.

The bacterium produces an enzyme which reacts with the residue of certain proteins. The body recognises these proteins as intruders, leading to an immune attack, the researchers from the University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry in Kentucky said.

+2

Brushing your teeth well could help prevent arthritis, scientists claim. Researchers found a link between the bacterium responsible for gum disease and earlier onset of rheumatoid arthritis Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2566343/Clean-teeth-hold-arthritis-Scientists-discover-link-gum-disease-bacteria-early-onset-condition.html