It might not seem an obvious association but many patients with rheumatoid arthritis suffer both with Neck pain and gum disease, and a new study adds to the weight of evidence supporting a link between the two. The research, published this month in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, found that RA patients were four times more likely to have gum disease than the non-smokers they studied. Whilst isolated neck and jaw pain may result from a tooth infection or gum disease causing acute inflammation, this association between rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease has consequence for all of the joints in the body as well as the general health of patients.

The theory is that RA may be triggered in genetically susceptible people by an immune response to a major pathogen involved in gum disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis. What does this mean in terms of reducing the risk of RA or coping with an existing condition, and why might those with gum disease and neck pain wish to see their doctor straight away? Read more