For years, researchers and physicians have been studying the joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis.  This disease affects thousands of Americans and is becoming increasingly common, especially amongst the older generations.

Poor oral health linked to rheumatoid arthritis

There have been several clinical studies conducted which show that poor oral health may be linked to rheumatoid arthritis.  This study shows that a particular enzyme may become present when a person is affected by gum disease.  This particular enzyme is harmful because it often results in the body converting some proteins into a different protein called: citrulline. The body frequently confuses this citrulline and even thinks that it will cause problems and attacks it as a result, as a sort of immune response. This produces heavy inflammation in patients who suffer from such autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or RA.
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