The relationship between periodontal status and rheumatoid arthritis – systematic review

There have been numerous publications investigating the relationship between periodontitis (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) so far. This publication presents the common risk factors for the development of PD and RA. The major impact of the pathological bacterial factor and cigarette smoking with chronic inflammation playing the key role in both diseases has been confirmed by numerous studies in various populations over the years. More research focuses nowadays also on the role of improper diet and obesity. Pathophysiological pathways, such as increased concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, indirectly affecting the cardiovascular complications and coagulation disorders, which has an impact on function disorders of tissue metalloproteinase inhibitors and the plasminogen activation system, were also researched. This systematic review of current literature has shown numerous discrepancies in previous analyses and the need for further detailed research on the relationship between periodontal status and RA.