Evaluation of Correlation between Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis In An Indian Population

Background and Objective: Considering the hypothesis that generated a link between joint diseases and periodontitis many centuries back, and the renewed interest lately in association between periodontitis and specifically rheumatoid arthritis, this study was undertaken in an Indian population. A correlation was done between the degree of periodontal disease in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non rheumatoid arthritis (NRA). Materials and Methods: The study comprised of 202 subjects, who were divided into rheumatoid arthritis and non rheumatoid arthritis groups of 101 subjects each. The periodontal status was evaluated through an inclusion criteria by evaluating the probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding scores and plaque scores. The degree of periodontal disease was compared to the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Results: There was no statistically significant prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in the RA and NRA groups. Interpretation and Conclusion: Thus, as per this study, RA is not a risk indicator for periodontal disease, as both these diseases were not associated significantly in the Indian population.