Periodontal Disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue creating a number of issues like bleeding gums and tooth loss. There are a number of factors that can cause periodontitis, or gum disease, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, and even hormonal changes. If left untreated, periodontitis can adversely affect other underlying illnesses within your body.
Researchers have recently discovered a connection to individuals with periodontal diseases as well as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The pathogenic oral bacteria that is associated with periodontitis can exacerbate RA through inflammation activation that is caused by this type of bacteria. This discovery can eventually lead to developing different ways to combat RA and other inflammatory diseases. Ensuring that gum disease is managed and treated by your dentist is an important part of your overall well-being as your oral health can affect your entire body.
While dental professionals have been treating periodontitis for many years, researchers are still finding new ways to combat this disease. Professor Shegeki Kamitani of Osaka Metropolitan University conducted a study that evaluated the efficiency of seven different antimicrobial compounds to combat the bacteria caused by periodontitis. Of these seven compounds, Pru-C12, which is found in the biomass of citrus fruits and coconuts was found to have the highest antimicrobial effect. This discovery will be further researched, and if deemed safe for use in humans, it can be an inexpensive and extremely effective way to combat periodontal disease.
Sources:
Study finds how oral bacteria can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis – ThePrint – ANIFeed
Protect your teeth with fruit: antimicrobial effects found in biomass compounds | Osaka Metropolitan University
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