The aim of the study was to evaluate the character and frequency of pathological changes in the oral cavity mucous membrane and xerostomy in patients with prolonged hospital and ambulatory treatment due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The study was conducted in 120 patients with RA, average age 54, and in the control group of 40 generally healthy examinees, average age 53.
In patients with RA pathological changes in the oral cavity appeared much more frequently: erosions, fissures, perleche, candidiasis oris, lichen Wilsoni, leukoplakia and persistent xerostomy. RA patients more often used partial prosthesis and more frequently were edentulous.
The treatment of oral cavity diseases and prophylaxis should be provided together with the RA treatment, with special emphasis put on the elimination of xerostomy. Good cooperation of rheumatologists and periodontologists is recommended RA diagnosis.