Dentition Status and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

ABSTRACT

We compared dentition status and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders in 142 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA, ages, 40 to 69 years) and 143 women of similar age without RA. The RA group had significantly fewer remaining teeth than the non-RA group. Number of decayed, missing, and filled (DMF) teeth, number of edentulous subjects, and number of subjects with complete and removable partial dentures were significantly higher in the RA group. Among RA subjects, 1.4% had unprovoked TMJ pain, 4.9% had pain on mouth opening, and 14.8% noted difficulty with opening. In the RA group, TMJ tenderness was elicited in 9.2%, clicking in 12.7%, and crepitus in 35.9%, representing a significant excess occurrence of crepitus. The prevalence of TMJ disorders was 67.6% in the RA group and 32.9% in the non-RA group; degenerative joint disorders were particularly frequent. TMJ disorders correlated with Steinbrocker stage and the duration of RA.

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Notes on contributors

Mariko Yamakawa

Dr. Mariko Yamakawa received her D.D.S. degree from Kyushu Dental College, Japan in 1985. She worked in clinical practice at the Clinic for Disabled Patients in Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan from 1985 to 1991. Dr. Yamakawa is currently on staff in the Department of Dentistry, Kumamoto City Hospital, Japan.

Toshihiro Ansai

Dr. Toshihiro Ansai received his D.D.S. degree from Kyushu Dental College, Japan in 1988 and a Ph.D. degree from the same college in 1992. He has worked in clinical practice and been involved in research for preventive dentistry. Dr. Ansai is currently an associate professor in the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Kyushu Dental College, Japan. He is a member of the International Association for Dental Research.

Sachiko Kasai

Dr. Sachiko Kasai received her D.D.S. degree from Kyushu Dental College, Japan in 1989 and her Ph.D. degree from the same college in 1997. She is working in clinical practice and research in preventive dentistry. Dr. Kasai is currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Kyushu Dental College, Japan.

Tomomi Ohmaru

Dr. Tomomi Ohmaru received her D.D.S. degree from Kyushu Dental College, Japan in 1996 and her Ph.D. degree from the same college in 2000. She is working in clinical practice and research in prosthetic dentistry and temporomandibular joint disorders. Dr. Ohmaru is currently a research associate and a clinical instructor in the Department of Removable Prosthodontics and Clinic of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, Kyushu Dental College, Japan.

Haruaki Takeuchi

Dr. Haruaki Takeuchi received his D.D.S. degree from Kumamoto University, Faculty of Medicine in Kumamoto, Japan in 1974 and his Ph.D. degree from Miyazaki Medical College in 1987. He has been in clinical practice and research in orthopedic surgery and rheumatology. Dr. Takeuchi is an active member of the Japan Rheumatism Association and is currently a chief in the Department of Rheumatology, Kumamoto City Hospital, Japan.

Tatsuhiko Kawaguchi

Dr. Tatsuhiko Kawaguchi received his M.D. degree from Kyushu University Faculty of Dentistry, Japan in 1976 and his Ph.D. degree from Kyushu Dental College, Japan in 1985. He furthered his clinical career in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, U.S.A. in 1991. Dr. Kawaguchi is currently a chief in the Department of Dentistry, Kumamoto City Hospital, Japan.

Tadamichi Takehara

Dr. Tadamichi Takehara received his D.D.S. degree from Kyushu Dental College, Japan in 1972 and his Ph.D. degree from Kyushu University College of Dentistry in 1979. He has been in clinical practice and research in preventive dentistry. Dr. Takehara is currently a chairman in the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Kyushu Dental College, Japan. He is a member of the International Association for Dental Research.