EFFECT OF NON-SURGICAL PERIODONTAL THERAPY IN THE REDUCTION OF SEVERITY OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Bone remodeling is a continuous process that depends on the balanced action between osteoclasts and osteoblasts, responsible for reabsorption and bone formation, respectively. Persistent inflammatory conditions can alter this process, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis. The pathogenesis of these two diseases is associated with changes in the levels of inflammatory mediators leading to an immune imbalance associated with bone loss. Some studies have suggested that such diseases are bidirectional, where the presence of one influences the evolution of the other. This paper reviews the results of scientific research studies on the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy (TP) on the reduction of RA severity. To do so, a search was made for scientific articles published from the year 2006, in the PubMed database, using the key words: rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis and periodontal treatment, in the English/Portuguese languages. Nine studies with similar research methodology were selected and composed of samples from patients affected by both diseases. Parameters such as gingival bleeding index, depth of probing, bleeding at the probe or clinical level of insertion evaluated the periodontal condition of each patient, while questionnaires investigating patients' quality of life and laboratory tests related to systemic inflammatory activity were considered associated parameters To the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. In eight studies, PT significantly reduced inflammatory severity of RA. Thus, the latest scientific data indicate the benefit of TP by reducing the severity of RA, considering the ease and low cost of this type of therapy.