Correlation between chronic periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis: A periodontist perspective

Abstract

In this study, we evaluate the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic periodontitis on the basis of clinical attachment present and severity of attachment loss in both the cases. First of all Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis was performed, thereafter bacterial DNA extraction from blood serum sample and subgingival dental plaque of each group through PCR and later DNA purification through Spin protocol was performed, oligonucleotide primer was used to detect t.forcythia and PCR amplification was done to detect T. Denticola for both the groups .PBDNA was detected in both SGP and serum samples of both the groups. In SGP samples, Tannerella forsythia was more frequently detected as compared to serum samples of both the groups. In result theclinical attachment Level (CAL) was observed to be higher in RA group as compared to CP group. Comparison of CAL according to severity was also observed in both the groups which suggested that RA group has mild periodontitis as compared to CP group in which moderate to severe periodontitis was seen, Detection of periodontal bacterial DNA by PCR assay PBDNA was detected in both SGP and serum samples. In SGP samples, Tannerella forsythia was more frequently detected as compared to serum samples of both the groups. So these are two common chronic inflammatory diseases with a similar host-mediated pathogenesis. Current evidence suggests that an association exists between periodontitis and RA. Well-designed multicenter longitudinal clinical trials and studies with sufficient sample sizes are needed to ascertain the relationship between these two diseases and whether periodontal treatment can reduce the severity of RA or prevent its onset.