The connection between Rheumatoid Arthritis, TMD and sunlight

Call our office to schedule a consultation: 248-646-6363 Buscemi Family Dentistry 60 W. Big Beaver suite 140 Bloomfield Hills Michigan 48304 Buy Dr. Ellie Phillips Mints: https://shop.zellies.com/VINCE Code: VINCE 👨‍⚕️ Disclaimer: The content on this YouTube channel is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical or dental advice. I am a licensed dentist, but watching these videos does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Every individual’s health situation is unique, and the information shared here may not be applicable to your specific needs. Please consult with your own dentist, physician, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health, oral care, or treatment. Do not delay or disregard professional advice because of something you’ve seen or heard on this channel. Use of this channel and its content is at your own risk. The views expressed are my own and do not represent any organization I may be affiliated with. What do jaw pain and joint pain have in common? More than you think. In this episode, Dr. Vincent Buscemi explores the surprising connection between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) — two seemingly separate conditions that may share a common inflammatory root. Backed by scientific studies, Dr. Buscemi explains how elevated cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α drive both disorders, and how these inflammatory pathways overlap. We’ll also dive into fascinating research showing how sunlight, specifically UV-B exposure, can reduce the risk of developing RA by modulating immune function. Could safe sunlight exposure also benefit TMD patients? While still speculative, Dr. Buscemi lays out the plausible science that connects natural light, immune regulation, and reduced pain. 🔬 Scientific Sources Cited: Arkema et al. on UV-B and RA (Ann Rheum Dis, 2013) Singh et al. on TMJ cross-talk and systemic inflammation (Dent J, 2023) McInnes et al., Smolen et al., Cairns et al., and more (full references in episode) 🎧 Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 2:00 – What is RA? What is TMD? 8:00 – Shared inflammatory markers and anatomical overlap 14:00 – How sunlight helps RA 20:00 – Can sunlight help TMD too? 25:00 – Key takeaways and practical tips If you’re a dentist, medical professional, or a patient dealing with chronic jaw or joint pain, this episode offers a powerful, science-based perspective on the jaw-body connection — and why getting more sun might be part of the solution. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with more content on airway health, TMD, and integrative dental medicine. #TMJ #RheumatoidArthritis #SunlightTherapy #TMD #DrVincentBuscemi #Inflammation #UVB #JawPain #FunctionalMedicine #OralHealth