[Clinical factors essential for dental caries intensity in rheumatic patients].

A total of 349 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 129 with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 92 with systemic scleroderma were examined. A higher incidence of caries (CDL index) in comparison with the norm (p < 0.05) was observed in all patients; the most significant factor promoting caries development was involvement of the salivary glands presenting as Sjogren's syndrome (p < 0.005). The presence and severity of temporomandibular involvement virtually did not affect the intensity of caries (p > 0.1). The highest CDL index was observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic scleroderma with pronounced dysfunction of the hand joints (p < 0.01) and higher activity of disease (a higher percentage of patients with Sjogren's diseases of the second and third degrees of activity) (p < 0.05). These data confirmed the multifactorial nature of dental caries etiology in rheumatic diseases.