Rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis: shared mechanisms and integrated care

Sharing inflammatory pathways, microbial dysbiosis, and systemic immune responses are the foundations of the considerable reciprocal link between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis, two chronic inflammatory illnesses. Both conditions significantly impact patients’ quality of life: periodontitis causes gradual loss of oral tissue and tooth loss, while RA causes systemic autoimmune inflammation and joint deterioration. There is growing evidence that these standard inflammatory processes facilitate treatment synergy and worsen the disease. In addition to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medications (DMARDs), non-surgical periodontal therapies (NSPT) have demonstrated promise in lowering systemic inflammation and alleviating RA symptoms. Additionally, the function of microbial dysbiosis, specifically Porphyromonas gingivalis, emphasizes how crucial it is to address systemic and local inflammation to treat these disorders adequately. The importance of multidisciplinary treatment solutions that combine dental and medical practices is emphasized in this paper. The dual burden of these diseases can be fully addressed by developing therapeutic paradigms and encouraging cooperation between periodontists and rheumatologists. Future research should concentrate on patient-centered care models, novel therapies, and customized treatment techniques to maximize results and enhance the general quality of life for those impacted.