A 3-year follow-up of temporomandibular disorders in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis

Sixteen individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 19 individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) participated in this 3-year follow-up study. The individuals in each disease group were allocated to an experimental group (E group) and a comparison group (C group). They were investigated by questionnaire, clinical examination of the stomatognathic system, and laboratory tests. The individuals of the two E groups had performed a physical training program of the stomatognathic system during 3 weeks. After 3 years most of the patients in the E groups reported an unaltered or decreased severity of symptoms and signs from the stomatognathic system compared with the initial status. The clinical dysfunction score according to Helkimo (CDS) was lower in the RA group, and the mouth opening capacity was larger than before training. In the AS group there was no long-term change in the CDS but an increase of mouth opening capacity. The general inflammatory disease process in the RA group showed an increased activity during this follow-up period as assessed by erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This study suggests that local physical training of the stomatognathic system has a positive effect in individuals with RA.