According to a report in Science Translational Medicine, bacteria in the mouth that causes gum infections could possibly trigger the autoimmune inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The bacteria, known as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, is the common denominator in both gum disease and RA. This information is the closest scientists have come thus far to discovering the underlying cause of RA. An estimated 1.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from RA. While more in-depth studies are needed, this information could eventually lead to the development of RA prevention strategies versus just treatment.
Bacteria in your mouth may trigger arthritis