the investigators study aimed to evaluate temporomandibular joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy individuals 142 participants were recruited in two groups: 72 patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and 70 healthy controls. All participants were tested for seropositivity of rheumatoid factor and anticitrullinated protein antibodies. TMD diagnosis was determined according to the standardized and validated diagnostic criteria for TMD (DC/TMD): myalgia, arthralgia, articular disc, displacement, degenerative joint disease, and headache attributed to TMD. Bruxism, a probable sleep and/or awake bruxism diagnosis was determined based on self-report and several clinical findings.

• Inclusion criteria included:

  • age > 18 years old
  • individuals who had a minimum of 12 natural teeth.

• Exclusion criteria

  • included: trauma or surgery on the jaw
  • facial nerve paralysis
  • tooth implant
  • scleroderma
  • cerebrovascular accident
  • schizophrenia
  • steroid injection within the last six months.

142 participants were recruited in two groups: 72 patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and 70 healthy controls