Assessment of the oral health of patients assisted at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora

Rheumatic diseases can show signs and symptoms in the oral cavity in their early stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate, using a dental protocol, the oral condition of patients treated in the Rheumatology Department of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. A clinical record, DMFT index, xerostomia questionnaire, salivary flow rate and oral health impact profile questionnaire were used. 21 patients took part in the study, 16 (76.2%) of whom were female and 5 (23.8%) male. All the patients were taking medication to control and treat the disease. The average DMFT index was 21.52. Salivary flow analysis revealed that 9 of the patients (42.86%) had reduced salivary flow and 1 (4,76%) had hyposalivation without stimulation, while 3 (14.29%) had reduced flow and 9 (42.86%) had hyposalivation when stimulated, and 18 (85.71%) reported symptoms of xerostomia. Only 1 (4.76%) had a greater impairment of general quality of life related to oral health. It can be concluded that patients with rheumatic diseases have a high DMFT index, reduced salivary flow and little interference from these conditions in their general health. This increased data could contribute to the prevention and more effective therapeutic intervention of oral diseases in rheumatic patients and could help to better understand the onset of the disease and reduce its comorbidities.