Links between psoriatic arthritis and dental health

·       PsA and dental health

·       Preventing dental issues

·       Summary

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the joints. It can also cause fatigue, eye problems, and a higher likelihood of dental issues.

More than one-third of people with psoriasis also develop PsA. Approximately 8 million people in the United States have psoriasis, meaning approximately 2.4 million people will also develop PsA.

PsA causes the immune system to attack the joints in various body parts. Joints commonly affected include:

Up to 35% of people may also experience jaw pain and inflammation due to PsA. A 2021 study found that people with PsA were three times more likely to develop an advanced stage of dental disease and tooth decay.

This article examines the connection between PsA and dental health and explores tips for maintaining good oral health.

Research suggests that periodontitis may play a role in causing or worsening psoriasis. There is also a link between periodontitis, disease severity, and whether someone with psoriasis develops PsA.

One 2019 review suggests that the following factors may be predictors of psoriasis:

2019 research shows that people with gum disease tend to have higher rates of inflammatory conditions.

Oral health may also be more challenging for people with a painful, chronic condition such as PsA. Further research will help experts better understand the link between PsA and dental health.

A 2021 study found a possible link between the two conditions. Specifically, people with PsA were more likely to have severe stage III gum disease than those without PsA.

PsA causes inflammation that can worsen gum disease and hasten severe symptoms such as tooth decay.

People with psoriasis also have a higher risk of developing periodontitis compared to the general population, according to a 2019 review. They are also more likely to:

Drugs that treat immune-related conditions such as psoriatic arthritis may also affect a person’s immune system, putting them at greater risk of severe infections, including infections of the teeth and mouth that can cause tooth loss or worsen oral health.

Dentists may recommend dental implants for people with tooth loss, but some PsA drugs impact the immune system. This can make people more susceptible to infection and increase the risk of complications with surgery.

While there is no research on dental implants in people with PsA, a 2017 review suggests that implants have a higher chance of failing in people with rheumatoid arthritis, another form of arthritis that involves the immune system.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source, oral health problems affect almost 3.5 billion people worldwide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source recommend the following steps to maintain good oral health:

The WHO also recommends eating a balanced diet filled with varied fruits and vegetables and opting for water as the main drink.

A person experiencing dental pain or discomfort that impacts their ability to eat or speak as usual should consult a dentist.

The CDCTrusted Source also recommends regular dental exams to maintain good oral health. Visiting a dentist regularly and identifying problems early on can help prevent them from worsening.

PsA is an inflammatory condition that involves an overactive immune response. It causes joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. Untreated, the condition can also cause lasting joint damage.

Research suggests a link between PsA and poor dental health, but experts are not sure why this is the case. Inflammation may play a role.

It is essential for people with chronic inflammatory conditions such as PsA to monitor their dental health and inform their dentist about their condition and any medications they are taking.

Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD — Written by Steph Coelho on July 13, 2022