Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Face 40% Higher Risk of Severe Dental Infections, Study Finds
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are significantly more likely to be hospitalized for serious oral infections, highlighting the need to integrate dental care into chronic disease management. A national study of more than 14 million hospitalizations underscores how systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction can heighten oral health risks, particularly among younger adults and underserved populations.
A new national study published in the American Journal of Managed Care has revealed that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) face a 40% higher risk of hospitalization due to serious dental infections like cellulitis and oral abscesses. Drawing from the National Inpatient Sample, researchers analyzed nearly 15 million adult hospitalizations between 2016 and 2022, identifying RA as a significant predictor of oral infection-related admissions, even after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and other health factors.
Though dental infections remained relatively rare across the population, occurring in just 0.07% of cases, the findings raise concerns about infection risk in immunocompromised populations. RA, which affects approximately 1.3 million Americans, compromises immune function both through the disease process and through immunosuppressive therapies. The oral cavity may serve as an inflammatory trigger and infection site in these patients.
The study also uncovered disparities along racial, gender, and socioeconomic lines. Black men were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for dental infections, as were smokers and those with longer hospital stays. Interestingly, younger adults aged 18 to 49 showed the highest relative infection rates, suggesting that delayed preventive care may contribute to acute complications in this age group. Adults over 65, by contrast, were less likely to be hospitalized for serious dental infections, possibly due to more consistent engagement with healthcare systems or access to Medicare-supported services.
Researchers emphasized the need for interdisciplinary care models that incorporate oral health into chronic disease management, especially for high-risk patients with autoimmune conditions. They also advocated for stronger public health efforts focused on preventive care access, early dental screenings, and education to address the root causes of infection risk. Click here to read more.
