Periodontal Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis – Controlling Two Birds with One Stone?

Challenge: Our case study represents an example of the emerging evidence from interventional and, more recently, animal studies showing how seemingly unrelated diseases such as periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis can be related through similar genetic, biological, and clinically consistent mechanisms.^1,2,3,4

Background: The initial medical assessment for a 57-year-old female diagnosed with palindromic rheumatoid arthritis was conducted at our functional medicine clinic. Before beginning our guided therapy, the patient expressed the desire to explore self-guided alternative treatment. After 6 months, the patient returned unhappy with her attempt at alternative treatment.

During the medical re-assessment following the 6 months, there was no change in pain and soreness around the joints. CRP increased from 19.4 to 26.2 with an increased ESR to 46. In addition, a large Baker’s cyst developed on the right knee accompanied by a swollen right ankle with reduced feeling to the right foot. Stiffness also spread to the right wrist and several finger joints in both hands.

Medical Perspective: If you follow the research, you must ask about the patient’s dental health. We are not trained to be experts on oral health. However, we have the capability to run laboratory tests such as MyPerioPath®, dnasmile, and activated MMP8 to gain additional insight. “It must be standard of care in every functional medicine practice to at least ask the question about your patient’s dental health” is something we practice, and thankfully we have a working relationship with Dr. Victoria Sampson BDS MFDS RCS Ed, a Functional Dentist in London. This patient was referred for oral evaluation following MyPerioPath® testing in office.

Oral Background: Upon assessment, generalized plaque, severe levels of bleeding on probing, generalized 40% radiographic bone loss, probe depths ranging from 2mm-7mm and furcation involvement was discovered periodontally. Additional testing was performed revealing elevated activated MMP8 and lots of vitamin B issues.

Solution: In addition to the plethora of active disease clinical signs, the elevated activated MMP8 43.16, and MyPerioPath® results (below), led to a treatment plan of guided biofilm therapy every 2-3 months. Home care instruction included use of a remineralizing toothpaste and antiseptic mouthwash, TePe™ brushes (interdental), floss twice a day and brush twice a day with an electric toothbrush. A tongue scraper in evening was introduced. Medically, dnasmile results helped give a more personalized dietary approach with an anti-inflammatory focus including curcumin, Omega 3 oil, increase phytochemical density and with variety of real whole food, green tea and collagen. Follow up testing with MyPerioPath® was conducted at 2 months and 5 months of applied therapy.

Results: At 8 weeks post dental and functional medicine treatment, patient observed a decrease in swelling and joint soreness, especially in her hands and wrists. Her perception of daily pain significantly reduced. The Baker’s cyst reduced in size approximately 50%. CRP dramatically improved, reducing from 26.2 to 4.8. With the increased bacterial load (see MyPerioPath® below) but reduced disease activity (MMP8 40-MMP8 <10), we theorize that, based on the oral genomic data, more bacterial interventions will continue to calm local and systemic inflammation and modulate acquired immunity, continuing to reduce active periodontal disease and systemic inflammation.

The right practitioner plus the right dentist plus the right tests (oral & genetic diagnostics) will reduce the disease process.

References:

Potempa, J., Mydel, P. & Koziel, J. The case for periodontitis in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Nat. Rev. Rheumatol. 13, 606–620 (2017).
Fuggle NR, Smith TO, Kaul A and Sofat N (2016) Hand to Mouth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis. Front. Immunol. 7:80. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00080
Arthritis – Basics – Definition – Rheumatoid Arthritis (2015). Available from http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/rheumatoid.htm
McInnes IB, Schett G. The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. N Engl J Med (2011) 365(23):2205–19. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1004965

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Pete Williams

Founder of Functional Medicine Associates, Pete is an exercise and medical scientist. In 2002, he was part of the UK’s founding group of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists, as accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association of America. In 2004, he became the youngest ever recipient of a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award from the Register for Exercise Professionals. In 2013, he was in the first worldwide cohort to be awarded the Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner status, and has represented the Institute for Functional Medicine as a Clinical Innovator.

Pete has had over 20 years of experience applying Functional Medicine in clinical practice and is seen by his peers as one of the leading figures in Functional Medicine in the UK. He is a sought-after speaker and advisor to nutraceutical and lab testing companies. Throughout this time, he has treated people with a wide range of chronic diseases.
https://www.functional-medicine.associates/