People with periodontal disease and a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis experience reduced arthritic pain and a reduced number of swollen joints and degree of morning stiffness when their dental problems are resolved according to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. Patients who received periodontal treatment experienced an improvement in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.  Dr. Ali Askari, MD, chair of the department of rheumatology, University Hospitals of Cleveland stated that “These study results should prompt rheumatologists to encourage their patients to be aware of the link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis.”