The Oral Health of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Niigata, Japan

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rheumatoid arthritis on oral health and oral health-related quality of life. The specific objectives were to measure oral health status, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) status, and oral health-related quality of life, and then to investigate the relationships between these variables. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population comprised 74 in-patients and 26 out-patients attending the Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinic at Senami Hospital in Niigata, Japan from April to June 2004. Participants underwent a clinical assessment of their oral and temporomandibular joint status. They were also interviewed about oral health, oral health-related quality of life, and activities of daily living. Information on rheumatoid arthritis status and medications was obtained from their medical records. RESULTS: Poor oral health conditions were observed in the rheumatoid arthritis patients. More than half of the patients reported having had difficulty in brushing their teeth due to rheumatoid arthritis, and experienced pain when chewing. Approximately 30 % of the sample reported dry mouth symptoms. Nearly 50 % reported having had experience of temporomandibular joint pain, and nearly 30 % had difficulties in mouth opening. Oral health-related quality of life was significantly associated with the number of swollen joints. Poor oral health was significantly associated with the functional disability that was related to rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION: In this study of 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Niigata, it was concluded that rheumatoid arthritis has an unfavorable impact on oral health; temporomandibular joint health; and that it reduces oral health-related quality of life. Rheumatoid arthritis patients present with many oral problems that stem from preventable oral diseases. Additional oral care such as preventive treatment, fluoride therapy, physical temporomandibular joint therapy, dietary instruction, and more frequent recall, may be required.