The Surprising Link Between Oral Health and Arthritis

Have you ever woken up with stiff joints or battled persistent aches that make everyday tasks feel like a challenge? If you or a loved one is living with arthritis, you know how deeply it can impact your quality of life.

As May marks Arthritis Awareness Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the powerful and often-overlooked connection between your mouth and your joints. As surprising as it may sound, research is revealing a strong connection between oral health and arthritis, and addressing dental issues could be a key to reducing systemic inflammation and managing your symptoms more effectively. At Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus, we’re committed to supporting your total well-being—starting with the mouth as a window to your health, and extending far beyond it.

How Are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gum Disease Connected?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (a severe form of gum disease) share something crucial in common: chronic inflammation. Both conditions involve an overactive immune response where the body’s defense system starts attacking healthy tissues—in RA, it’s the joints; in periodontitis, it’s the gums and supporting bone around teeth.

And it’s not just a coincidence. Inflammatory markers, bacteria, and immune responses that originate in the mouth can enter the bloodstream through the gums, contributing to systemic inflammation—including in the joints. When oral pathogens damage the lining of blood vessels, the body responds by initiating a repair process that can involve the formation of blood clots—raising the risk for complications elsewhere in the body. The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society notes that "gum disease symptoms are associated with increasing RA activity,” with patients experiencing more bleeding and swelling often also showing higher levels of RA disease activity.

Simply put: if you’re managing RA, caring for your mouth is just as critical as caring for your joints.

Why Early Detection Matters

Gum disease doesn’t always present with pain. In its early stages, you might notice swollen gums, occasional bleeding, or even bad breath—signs that are easy to brush off. Gum disease may even be asymptomatic, making it even more important to test for. When left untreated, gum disease can become a silent driver of systemic inflammation.

That’s why Dr. Barb McClatchie and her team are specially trained to detect the earliest signs of periodontal disease and other hidden oral infections that could be affecting your whole-body health. As a BaleDoneen Method dental provider, we don’t just look at your teeth—we look at how your oral health is influencing the rest of your body.

Every wellness appointment at our office includes a comprehensive evaluation of your gums, bone support, and risk factors for disease. When necessary, we also coordinate with other medical professionals to ensure your care plan supports your full-body health goals.

Take Control of Your Health

If you or someone you love is living with RA—or experiencing symptoms that just don’t seem to improve—consider looking beyond medications and joint care. Your mouth may be a missing piece of the puzzle.

At Complete Health Dentistry of Columbus, we’re committed to helping you reduce systemic inflammation and live a healthier, more vibrant life. Our proactive and personalized approach means you don’t just treat symptoms—you uncover and address root causes.

Schedule an appointment with us today by calling (614) 412-0916 or by visiting our Contact Page to see how we can help with your rheumatoid arthritis.