[Oral hygiene, prophylaxis and therapy in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases]

Inflammatory disorders of the periodontium are often associated with chronic systemic diseases, which can demonstrate a reciprocal influence. Within the adult population at present, 74% of younger adults and 88% of older individuals require periodontal treatment. Due to inflammatory processes, patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic polyarthritides frequently suffer from pain in the temporomandibular joint and, since finger mobility is often limited, their ability to perform oral hygiene measures is impeded. However, diligent and constant oral hygiene is of crucial importance both for maintaining a healthy periodontium and to prevent the development of caries. For their daily dental care, these patients should favor the use of electric toothbrushes, products for interdental cleaning and mouth rinses. The dentist should be informed immediately about increased and constant gingival bleeding, gingival hyperplasia, loosening or migration of teeth associated with gingival recession or other irritations in the oral cavity. Professional dental cleaning should be routinely performed at 3- to 6-month intervals in order to prevent an increase in the risk for periodontal disease.