Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a persistent inflammatory condition that predominantly affects the joints. However, it also affects the oral health, including temporomandibular joint abnormalities, periodontal disease, and xerostomia. Although these correlations exist, there is little proof that RA is associated with certain markers of dental health. The purpose of this study is to close this gap by assessing the salivary profile and oral health status of RA patients. AIM: To assess and contrast the salivary profile and oral health status of people with rheumatoid arthritis with that of healthy controls. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate.1. Periodontal health and caries experience using WHO guidelines Adult oral health proforma (2013)2. Salivary parameters using a salivary kit.3. Cariogram-based assessment of caries risk.4. Association between Rheumatoid arthritis and Oral health. METHODS: A total of ninety volunteers were enrolled, forty-seven of whom were age-matched healthy individuals and forty-three of whom were patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A structured questionnaire, clinical assessment, and saliva collection were used in the data gathering process. Dental health was evaluated using the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form for Adults (2013), and salivary flow rate and pH were monitored. The Reduced Cariogram model was used to assess the risk of caries. SPSS version 22 was used for the statistical analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Compared to controls, those with RA had significantly higher rates of dental caries, more gingival bleeding, and deeper periodontal pockets (p < 0.05). Patients with RA also showed decreased salivary pH and decreased stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates. Salivary flow rates were found to be negatively correlated with pocket depth, gingival bleeding, and dental caries. Furthermore, the Cariogram showed that patients with arthritis had a higher incidence of dental caries. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that dental health is negatively impacted by rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with RA have a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontitis likely due to impaired salivary profile. These results highlight the significance of thorough oral health evaluations and customized preventive methods for people with rheumatoid arthritis in order to lessen oral health issues.