Evaluation of temporomandibular dysfunction in patients with diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

To investigate the presence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in patients with and without a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, by analyzing the relationship between the variables by means of the Craniomandibular index, questionnaire of the American association of orofacial pain and questionnaire and index of functional limitation of the mandible. Materials and methods: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee in research, numbered 2.234.767, composed of 91 patients, divided into three groups. Two groups were tested: patients with rheumatoid arthritis using synthetic (n = 40) or biological (n = 27) drugs and control group with patients with no diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (n = 24).Participants were interviewed and examined by a researcher previously prepared to evaluate joints and their involvement with rheumatoid arthritis. Results: There was no statistical difference between patients in the test and control groups regarding the perception of joint noises (p = 0.181). Patients with rheumatoid arthritis had a higher degree of severity in the questionnaire and mandibular functional limitation index (p = 0.044) and craniomandibular index (p = 0.003). There was no statistical difference between the patients who used synthetic and biological drugs and in relation to age in the indices and questionnaires analyzed. Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis has been associated with ageing and predisposing temporomandibular joint dysfunction.