A new study suggests that certain bacteria in the mouth as wellIntestinal bacteria healthof the joints can affect. The results showed that people at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had higher levels of two genera of bacteria, Prevotella and Veillonella, in their saliva. These are potentially pro-inflammatory bacteria, and their relative abundance suggests a possible link between oral microbes and joint inflammation.
How bacteria in the mouth cause joint diseases
Researchers continue to look for new ways to diagnose RA, especially in its early stages. This is because the sooner a person receives proper diagnosis and treatment, the better their chances of recovery. These would be, for example, limiting joint damage and loss of function. People with RA and those at risk have abnormal levels of certain bacteria in the mucus of the mouth and intestines. These people also appear to be more likely than other people to suffer from periodontitis or gum disease. For this reason, a team of researchers from Amsterdam set out to analyze microbial populations and periodontal conditions. The scientists investigated how changes in the composition and other components of the oral microbiome can cause RA to occur.
The team identified no difference in periodontal conditions between the groups, nor in dental plaque. However, there were differences between the oral saliva and tongue coating of people with RA compared to controls. The study results show that such bacterial genera could help trigger immune responses that influence this development of RA. The authors write that some strains of Prevotella can cause chronic inflammation, which can trigger the release of immune cells throughout the body. They add that in some cases, microbial dysbiosis or microbial imbalances partially disappear with RA treatment. Future research can focus on strategies to combat these bacteria and improve oral health. The resultsthis studyhave potentially uncovered another stepping stone in the complex, elusive development process of RA. This could be good news for the millions of people living with joint disease.
