A Menifee Dentist Can Keep Your Joints Healthy

A recent study shows the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis. The research was conducted by two of the leading organizations in dental hygiene: the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and the European Union.

This connection between periodontal disease and arthritis has long been suspected by the dental community but has lacked extensive evidence to support the theory. Now, the proof is clear.

The study determined that Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacterium responsible for the onset of periodontal disease, causes rheumatoid arthritis to develop more swiftly, spreading at a faster rate and intensifying the severity of the condition.

Your Menifee Family Dentist Can Help You Battle and Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis

The scientists involved in this study found the bacterium secretes peptidylarginine deiminanse (PAD), an enzyme that stimulates collagen-induced arthritis. Although this form of arthritis is not the same as the rheumatoid version, it is very similar.

If you are a resident of Menifee or live in Riverside County and would like to begin preventative dental care with a family dentist, consult Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS. He received his dental degree in 1993 from USC and is certified in laser dentistry as well as invisalign®.

Dr. Hauser takes a personal interest in each individual patient, and we love welcoming entire families to our practice. We realize that a visit to the family dentist may cause some anxiety, so we strive to make patients feel as comfortable as possible.

Dr. Hauser speaks at dental-implant lectures across the United States and has 10 years of experience with CEREC technology, a state-of-the-art technique that allows crown, veneer and bridge treatments to take be placed in only one visit.

In addition to his proficiency as a family dentist, Dr. Hauser is a highly touted cosmetic dentist. Contact his office at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a Debilitating Disease

Classified as a systemic illness, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune disorder that attacks the joints, then the hands and feet, before moving on to the organs. It’s more prevalent in women over the age of 55 and is characterized by periods of intense pain.

The disease causes antibodies in the blood to attack the joints. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Fever and pain
• Inflammation in the lungs
• Lesions under the surface of the skin
• Inflammation of the pericardium
• Exhaustion

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause:

• Bone erosion
• Permanent impairment of joints
• Joint deformity

This condition affects 1 to 2 percent of the world’s population. It is 4 times more likely to occur in people that smoke and 12,000 children under the age of 16 are afflicted with this disease.

People with Periodontal Disease May Be Twice As Likely To Contract Arthritis

The study shows that people with periodontal disease contract rheumatoid arthritis twice as frequently as people with good oral health. Your family dentist can introduce you to techniques that will help prevent periodontal disease.

Good oral care is a personal responsibility. Although an experienced cosmetic dentist can make anyone’s teeth bright and beautiful, taking care of your dental hygiene can save a lot of discomfort and health problems. Here are a few helpful tips for maintaining healthy teeth.

• Be sure to brush your teeth twice each day, preferably after eating.
• Purchase an electronic toothbrush. Research shows that they are more effective than traditional designs. Dr. Hauser uses the Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush.
• Floss your teeth every day.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash daily. Dr. Hauser recommends Colgate Peroxyl.

If you believe that you suffer from mild or severe periodontal disease, it’s important to consult a qualified dentist right away. Any case can be cured, but the longer you wait, the more difficult the process will be. However, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, so the sooner you get treated, the better your health will be down the road.

Make An Appointment Today!

To preserve your oral health, consult Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS, for preventive or remedial dental care. He will educate you and your family on the best methods of maintaining optimum dental health.

Remember, Dr. Hauser also is a talented cosmetic dentist and can provide you with a whole new smile for less than you think. Contact his amazing staff at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!