Source: Journal of Clinical rheumatology 2012, 18 (3), 117-21
Follow this link for abstract
Date of publication: April 2012
Publication type: Journal article
In a nutshell: This pilot study looked at patients who had periodontal disease and arthritis. Using sophisticated DNA tracking techniques, they found the presence of bacterial DNA in synovial fluids indicating that these might have spread from the oral cavity. They will investigate further to see if treating periodontal disease will reduce the number of joint replacements. In the meantime, they suggest that patients with arthritis or failed prosthetic joints be examined for gum disease and be treated accordingly.
Length of publication: 5 pages
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Acknowledgement: Medical News Today