DOI:

10.37988/1811-153X_2026_1_22

A comprehensive assessment of the dental health of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: clinical, radiographic, and laboratory studies

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Authors

  • A.S. Chertikhina 1, postgraduate at the Orthodontics Department
    ORCID: 0000-0003-1798-9487
  • E.A. Karton 1, Doctor of Science in Medicine, professor of the Orthodontics Department
    ORCID: 0000-0003-0007-2867
  • I.G. Ostrovskaya 1, Doctor of Science in Medicine, professor of the Biochemistry Department
    ORCID: 0000-0001-6788-4945
  • E.G. Zaretskaya 1, postgraduate at the Orthodontics Department, senior laboratory technician at the Prosthodontics technology Department
    ORCID: 0000-0001-6958-7426
  • L.M. Suleymanova 1, PhD in Medical Sciences, associate professor of the Orthodontics Department
    ORCID: 0000-0001-6973-9119
  • 1 Russian University of Medicine, 127006, Moscow, Russia

Abstract

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune disease among children and is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process that negatively affects the oral mucosa, dental hard tissues, and the temporomandibular joint. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) on the dental health of children with this condition.
Materials and methods.
A dental clinical and laboratory examination was conducted in 110 children (6—18 years old) diagnosed with JRA using dental and functional tests, questionnaires, saliva enzyme immunoassay, and CBCT, as indicated.
Results.
It has been established that children with JRA exhibit extensive dental caries, poor oral hygiene, and esthetic and functional disorders of the maxillofacial region. A sociological survey revealed difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene among children and parents, associated with a lack of interest and infrequent brushing. CBCT analysis revealed temporomandibular joint (TMJ) lesions in patients with long-term JRA and taking immunosuppressive medications. Significant differences in salivary parameters (sIgA, IgM RF, total RF, TNF-α) were found depending on the therapy received.
Conclusion.
The study revealed significant structural and functional changes in the TMJ, a high prevalence of dental diseases aggravated by poor oral hygiene, and features of the immune response modulated by various pharmacological drugs in children with JRA.

Key words:

juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, oral fluid, mixed saliva biomarkers, temporomandibular joint

For Citation

[1]
Chertikhina A.S., Karton E.A., Ostrovskaya I.G., Zaretskaya E.G., Suleymanova L.M. A comprehensive assessment of the dental health of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: clinical, radiographic, and laboratory studies. Clinical Dentistry (Russia).  2026; 29 (1): 22—27. DOI: 10.37988/1811-153X_2026_1_22

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Received

September 16, 2025

Accepted

January 17, 2026

Published on

March 31, 2026