FRI0021 ORAL HYGIENE STATUS IN RA PATIENTS AND PLACE OF RHEUMATOLOGIST IN THERAPEUTIC EDUCATION ON ORAL DENTAL HEALTH

Background: The relationship between oral hygiene and rheumatoid arthritis has been demonstrated by several studies. Objectives: To evaluate oral hygiene status in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. To inform about the therapeutic education given by the rheumatologist on the importance of adequate oral hygiene in the management of RA Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included 100 consecutive RA patients (89% female, mean age 46.7 years, median disease duration of 8 years, mean specialized care duration of 3 years). A questionnaire evaluating oral hygiene status was administered. It focused on following items: the daily frequency of brushing, the modalities of brushing, the use of other means of oral hygiene, the regular follow-up at a dentist’s doctor and the place of the rheumatologist in therapeutic education on the oral dental hygiene status. Results: Table I illustrates the results of oral hygiene evaluation in RA patients. Table II illustrates the results of the place of oral hygiene information in rheumatologic management. Conclusion: This study illustrates the high prevalence of oral hygiene insufficiency in patients followed for RA. It also highlights poor therapeutic education given by the rheumatologist on the importance of adequate oral hygiene in the management of RA. Disclosure of Interests: None declared