Inter-relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease: A case control study

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Original Article

Author Details : Mahajan V , Vaish S*, Dodwad V , Nagpal S

Volume : 2, Issue : 1, Year : 2014

Article Page : 4-13

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Abstract

Background: There are some common similarities in the epidemiology and immunopathogenesis of periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis(RA). But the associations between their respective disease activities are less well documented. Hence, thepresent study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease among RA patients.

Materials and Methods: The study included 40 subjects with RA and 40 healthy controls matched by age and gender. Oral hygiene and Periodontal health was assessed using plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and probing depth (PD). The severity of Rheumatoid arthritis was determined by TJC (Tender joints count), SwJC (Swollen joints count), VAS for pain (visual analogue scale), EMS ( early morning stiffness), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate),RA factor and DAS28 (disease activity scores).

Results: Values of PI and GI were significantly higher in subjects with RA compared to control subjects (1.71versus 1.54, P < 0>

Conclusion: Patients with RA have an increased prevalence of periodontitis compared to other non-diseased individuals. Poor manual dexterity along with other parameters may bethepotential mediators of this association.

Keywords: Periodontitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Oral Hygiene, Plaque Index, Periodontal Pocket.

How to cite : Mahajan V, Vaish S, Dodwad V, Nagpal S, Inter-relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease: A case control study. J Dent Spec 2014;2(1):4-13

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