Oral health and orofacial function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The aim of the study was to describe the oral health and orofacial function of Mexican patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their association with clinical and radiological aspects of the disease. Patients with RA received a complete odontological exam, which also included a clinical and radiographic assessment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The rheumatologic assessment included detailed profiling of the disease and serological and radiographic parameters.

Temporomandibular and Odontological Abnormalities in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective: To characterize the orofacial abnormalities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compare them with those in a reference population.

Methods: The study included 30 RA patients and 30 consecutive patients in an odontology clinic in whom RA was ruled out. Patients underwent a clinical dental examination which included: 1) clinical and radiographic abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint; 2) biomechanical craniocervical analysis; 3) state of dentition and treatment needs; 4) periodontal status; 5) oral hygiene status; and 6) facial pain, which was compared among study groups.