Untreated osteoporosis and higher FRAX as risk factors for tooth loss: a 5-year prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown that an impaired bone condition, represented by osteoporosis and increased fracture risk, may potentially aggravate periodontal disease and, consequently, the risk of tooth loss. This 5-year prospective study aimed to investigate whether systemic bone condition represents risk factor for tooth loss due to periodontal disease amongst elderly women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-four participants, aged ≥ 65 years, who attended the 5-years recall for periodontal evaluation were involved. Baseline exposures were osteoporosis and fracture risk probabilities (FRAX). Women were grouped according to bone mineral density (BMD) and years of bone treatment for osteoporosis. The primary outcome at a 5-year follow-up was the number of tooth loss due to periodontal disease. Periodontitis staging and grading, and causes of tooth loss were recorded. RESULTS: The multivariate Poisson regression models showed that women with untreated/shortly treated osteoporosis were 4 times more likely to present higher number of tooth loss due to periodontal disease than those with normal BMD or treated for ≥ 3 years (risk ratio (RR) = 4.00, 95% CI 1.40-11.27). Higher FRAX was also linked to tooth loss (RR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.53). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve suggested that women with history of ≥ 1 tooth losses have higher chances of worse major FRAX (sensitivity = 72.2%; specificity = 72.2%). CONCLUSION: In this 5-year study, higher FRAX and untreated osteoporosis were risk factors for tooth loss. Women with normal BMD or treated for osteoporosis for ≥ 3 years did not show increased risk. Management of skeletal conditions should be emphasized with periodontal care for the prevention of tooth loss in elderly women.

Population genetic data and forensic parameters of 30 autosomal InDel markers in Santa Catarina State population, Southern Brazil.

The application of DNA technology in forensic investigations has grown rapidly in the last 25 years and with an exponential increase of short tandem repeats (STRs) data, usually presented as allele frequencies, that may be later used as databases for forensic and population genetics purposes. Thereby, classes of molecular markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions/deletions (InDels) have been presented as another option of genetic marker sets. These markers can be used in paternity cases, when mutations in STR polymorphisms are present, as well as in highly degraded DNA analysis. In the present study, the allele frequencies and heterozygosity (H) of a 30 InDel markers set were determined and the forensic efficacy was evaluated through estimation of discrimination power (DP), match probability, typical paternity index and power of paternity exclusion in 108 unrelated volunteers from the State of Santa Catarina (South Brazil). The observed H per locus showed a range between 0.370 and 0.574 (mean = 0.479). HLD128 was the locus with the highest DP (DP = 0.656). DP for all markers combined was greater than 99.9999999999646 % which provides satisfactory levels of information for forensic demands. Genetic comparisons (exact tests of population differentiation and pairwise genetic distances) revealed that the population of Santa Catarina State differs from Korea and USA Afro-American populations but is similar to the Portuguese, German, Polish, Spanish and Basque populations.

Levels of HIV-1 in subgingival biofilm of HIV-infected patients.

AIM: The aims of the current study were to compare the levels of HIV-1 in the subgingival biofilm (SHVL) between detectable and undetectable plasmatic HIV-1 viral load (PHVL) in HIV-infected patients as well as to determine the association of SHVL with PHVL and clinical periodontal parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-one HIV-infected individuals were divided into two groups: detectable (21) and undetectable (20) PHVL. Subgingival biofilm samples were obtained for detection and quantification of HIV-1 by real-time RT-PCR. To estimate the effect of co-variables on the outcome undetectable SHVL, the Generalized Estimation Equation (GEE) was employed. RESULTS: Detectable SHVL was observed only in the detectable PHVL group and the detection of the HIV-1 was observed in 40% of these individuals. In the bivariate analysis between co-variables from the individual level and the outcome SHVL, significant difference was observed only for the CD4+ T lymphocytes levels (p = 0.017). The multiple logistic model demonstrated that only CD4+ T lymphocytes levels had a significant effect on the outcome undetectable SHVL [OR 8.85 (CI 3.6-9.2), p = 0.002]. CONCLUSION: HIV-1 can be detected and quantified in the subgingival biofilm of HIV-infected individuals, but these findings are not associated with PHVL and periodontal clinical parameters.

Oral manifestations of sporotrichosis: A neglected disease.

Sporotrichosis is an uncommon subacute or chronic infection caused by Sporothrix spp. In some urban areas of Latin America, sporotrichosis has been considered an emergent cosmopolitan disease of zoonotic transmission by domestic cats. There are four different clinical forms of the disease: fixed cutaneous, lymphocutaneous, multifocal or disseminated cutaneous, and extracutaneous. The oral mucosa is rarely involved, usually as unspecified chronic ulcers in the context of multifocal or disseminated cutaneous form of systemic sporotrichosis. Microscopical features include chronic granulomatous inflammation containing microabscesses and fungal hyphae positive for Periodic acid Schiff and silver-based stains. The diagnosis of sporotrichosis is usually based on culture detection and strict correlation of clinical, microscopical and laboratorial data. We herein contribute with two additional illustrative cases of oral manifestation of sporotrichosis in immunocompromised patients from an endemic urban area from Rio de Janeiro-Brazil. Key words:Sporotrichosis, ulcer, oral cavity, immunosuppression.

Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oral Epithelial Dysplasia: Report of 5 Illustrative Cases from Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus-associated oral epithelial dysplasia (HPV-OED) is a distinct oral epithelial disorder characterized by viral cytopathic changes caused by transcriptionally active high-risk HPV. The aim of the present study was to report 5 additional cases from Latin America. METHODS: Clinical data from five patients with HPV-OED were obtained from the archives of three oral pathology services from Brazil and Chile. All cases were submitted to morphological, p16 expression and in situ hybridization (ISH) for HPV analyses. RESULTS: Four patients were male and one patient was female, with a mean age of 55.4 years. Four patients were HIV seropositive and two were smokers. Three cases affected the buccal mucosa and commissure, one of which had an additional plaque in the soft palate, and one case each occurred on the floor of mouth and lower labial mucosa. Most cases presented as well-demarcated white plaques with a verrucous surface. One case presented multiple lesions ranging from normal to white-colored slightly elevated plaques with a cobblestone surface. Peripheral mucosal pigmentation was observed in two cases. All five cases presented with the characteristic microscopic features of HPV-OED, including severe dysplasia with numerous karyorrhectic and apoptotic cells, full-thickness "block positivity" for p16 and high Ki-67 index (> 90%) sharply demarcated from the adjacent non-dysplastic epithelium. Wide-spectrum DNA ISH-HPV was positive in 4 cases. All patients were treated with conservative surgical excision with no signs of recurrence after a mean of 39-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: This represents the first series of HPV-OED from Latin America; most cases presented as well-demarcated papillary white plaques affecting the buccal mucosa and commissure of HIV-positive middle-aged men, two of them exhibiting peripheral pigmentation caused by reactive melanocytes. The typical microscopic findings of HPV-OED were observed in all cases, which also showed strong p16 positivity in a continuous band through the full thickness of the epithelium and high Ki67.

Are salivary flow rates associated with histopathologic aspects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to verify the association between salivary flow rates (SFR) and the histopathologic aspects of labial salivary glands (LSG) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients presenting rheumatologic diseases referred for oral evaluation were included in the study if they had RA and had SFR measured and LSG biopsy performed. Patients were excluded if they had systemic conditions that affect SFR or if they were being treated for hyposalivation. Cases without enough material for histopathologic analysis were also excluded. Data were collected through questionnaires, oral examination, resting and stimulated SFR, and LSG biopsies. A histopathologic reevaluation was carried out in order to seek for additional histopathologic aspects. Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 53.5 years (25-77), and 94.1% were women. The median resting and stimulated SFRs were 0.24 mL/min and 1.02 mL/min, respectively. The presence of lymphocytic focus and fibrosis were significantly associated with stimulated SFR, but not with resting SFR. The odds ratio of patients who had hyposalivation for presenting a positive lymphocytic focus was 7.33 (confidence interval CI: 1.53-35.23) by the stimulated technique, and 2.56 (CI: 0.57-11.40) in resting SFR. In the medical records, 14 (31.80%) patients had been diagnosed with secondary Sjögren's syndrome. In conclusion, stimulated SFR represent a good screening test to predict lymphocytic focus in LSG in patients with RA, which represents the most specific test to diagnose Sjögren's syndrome.

Oral sustained release nystatin tablets for the treatment of oral candidiasis: formulation development and validation of UV spectrophotometric analytical methodology for content determination.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, oral sustained release mucoadhesive nystatin tablets were developed to increase nystatin contact time with the oral cavity and mask its unpleasant taste. METHODS: The best formulation studied included sustained release agents and it was submitted to physical-mechanical characterization, taste assessment and clinical test in twelve patients. The ultraviolet-visible nystatin methodology was also developed and validated in parallel as an alternative to the pharmacopoeial microbiological dosage method. RESULTS: The best formulation developed in this study included sustained release agents. The efficacy of this formulation was verified through a clinical assessment, showing that this formulation is more effective (100%) than the commercial oral nystatin suspension used traditionally (50%). Moreover, the UV absorption spectrophotometry method developed to validate the methodology for nystatin content analysis for new oral tablets was shown to be specific, linear, exact and reproducible, as recommended by the ICH regulations. CONCLUSION: The oral nystatin tablets developed showed to present faster therapeutic response than the oral aqueous solution through the preliminary clinical assays. The UV absorption spectrophotometry method showed to be an attractive test for the usual routine in the pharmaceutical industry.

Oral health status of patients with multiple myeloma.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the oral health status of patients with multiple myeloma and compare to a control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical history of the studied subjects was obtained from the medical records and through interviews. Trained examiners evaluated the oral mucosa, teeth, periodontium and imaging aspects. The dental status was evaluated by the decayed, missing and filled teeth index. The presence of bone lesions was investigated with cone beam computer tomography images of the jaws. RESULTS: The most common oral mucosa features were paleness (31%) and coated tongue (14.3%) in the multiple myeloma group (N=42); and coated (21.4%) and fissured tongue (10.7%) in the control group (N=28). The mean DMFT index of patients with multiple myeloma was high, but not significantly different from controls (14.57 versus 19.69, p=0.975). Hypodense lesions suggestive of multiple myeloma were observed in the jaws of 73.8% of the patients. Hypodense lesions related to teeth were detected in 33.3% of the patients and in 53.6% of the controls (p=0.832). CONCLUSIONS: The studied population of multiple myeloma patients presented many oral health issues that needed attention. Thus, oral care should be included in the routine treatment to improve the quality of the oral status in these patients.

Hereditary angioedema: Report of the dental treatment of 12 Brazilian patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report on clinical experience in Brazil in the dental treatment and the oral conditions of a group of patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE). STUDY DESIGN: The study analyzed demographic data, type of HAE, intensity of attacks, long-term and short-term prophylaxis, dental procedures, and occurrence of crises after the procedures were performed. Radiographic evaluation of the number of teeth and bone loss was also performed. RESULTS: Data from 12 patients were collected; most were women, presenting with C1-INH-HAE type I and a history of severe attacks. All patients reported use of regular medications (long-term prophylaxis), mostly attenuated androgens, to prevent/attenuate HAE attacks. These patients had several missing teeth and alveolar bone loss. Tooth extraction was the most common procedure. In half the patients, the procedures had been performed without modification in long-term prophylaxis. The others were treated with an additional prophylaxis protocol (short-term prophylaxis), particularly those who underwent tooth extraction. None of the study patients developed HAE attacks after dental procedures. CONCLUSION: The occurrence and intensity of a possible HAE attack after dental procedures are unpredictable, but with careful preliminary screening by dental and immunology teams and the use of therapeutic prophylaxis, the risk could be minimized.

Imaginological characterization of multiple myeloma lesions of the jaws through cone-beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To establish an evaluation protocol for the identification and description of the variations in multiple myeloma (MM) lesions of the jaws, by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tomography exams from 33 MM patients were evaluated in this retrospective observational study. The reconstructions were analyzed simultaneously, according to the established protocol, with the following description criteria: anatomic location, size, margins, inner aspect, relationship with adjacent structures, and presence or absence of a punched-out aspect. The exams were further subdivided into groups of patients using, or not bisphosphonates. RESULTS: There were osteolytic lesions in 100% of cases, most of which were extended to more than one anatomical region. Poorly defined margins were more frequent in the maxilla than in the mandible. Extensive bone resorption presenting multilocular areas was the most frequently observed aspect, being 86.2% for maxilla and 87.9% for mandible. In relation to bisphosphonates, patients who used the medication had more poorly defined bone margins and contortions (68.6%) than those who did not undergo drug therapy (31.4%). No well-defined lesions were observed (p = 0.34%). CONCLUSION: It was possible to establish a protocol for evaluation of MM lesions in CBCT images and to identify that when evaluated three-dimensional, lesions tend to be poorly defined and have no pattern of description, as described in two-dimensional "punched-out".

Bisphophonate alterations of the jaw bones in individuals with multiple myeloma.

OBJECTIVES: To verify quantitative differences of the mandibular cortical and trabecular bone between patients with multiple myeloma (MM) under bisphosphonate (BP) therapy and a control group never exposed to BP. METHODS: Clinical and demographic characteristics were collected through medical records and interviews. Mandibular cortical thickness (MCT) and fractal dimension (FD) were measured on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, on the molar region, in both groups. Additionally, FD was measured on periapical digital intraoral radiography and results were compared to CBCT measurements. RESULTS: There were 33 patients with MM under BP therapy and 28 controls, with no significant differences in gender and age between groups. Pamidronate was used by all MM patients, either associated or not to other types of BP. The median MCT was higher in MM group exposed to BP (5.20 mm) than in controls (3.50 mm, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the median FD between patients in the MM group and controls, on CBCT (0.95 vs 0.90, p = 0.814) and periapical digital intraoral radiography (0.98 vs 0.96, p = 0.963), respectively, even when more than one type of BP was used. CONCLUSIONS: The MCT represents an useful tool in the detection of bone dimensional changes caused by BP, in patients with MM. Additional studies are necessary to improve the knowledge on the quantitative evaluation of trabecular jaw bone, in individuals with MM, under BP therapy.

The frequency of oral conditions detected in hematology inpatients.

BACKGROUND: Oral manifestations may be the first signs of hematologic diseases, and may occur due to the disease itself or to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and types of oral conditions presented by patients on a hematology ward. METHODS: Data were collected by oral examinations during weekly visits to a hematology ward. Six trained dentists performed the oral assessment based on the principles of oral semiology. All patients who accepted to be examined were included in the study. Patients who were unavailable or unable to have oral examinations were excluded. Data were recorded on protocol forms and in the electronic records of the institution. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were included in the analysis; 50.6% were female and the mean age was 41.49 years. The most common reasons for hospitalization were chemotherapy and complications (81%), relapse (13.9%) and pre-transplant preparation (5%). The most frequent underlying diseases were multiple myeloma (17.7%), acute myeloid leukemia (15.4%) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (11.5%). Oral conditions were found in 36 (45.6%) patients, some of whom presented more than one condition. The most common oral conditions were dry lips (12.6%), mucositis (10.1%), petechiae (8.9%) and candidiasis (7.6%). Of the detected oral conditions, 56.9% were related to the underlying disease or chemotherapy and 20.2% were not related to the disease. CONCLUSION: This study shows the types and frequency of oral conditions observed in hematological inpatients. Awareness of these conditions is important for prevention and planning the care of patients with hematological diseases.

Can dentists detect multiple myeloma through oral manifestations?

OBJECTIVE: To review published data on oral manifestations of multiple myeloma. METHODS: An electronic database search was performed of articles published from 1971 to November 2016 in order to identify studies that reported oral manifestations of patients with multiple myeloma. Case reports and case series with oral manifestations of multiple myeloma in English were included in the study. An additional search was performed of the references of the selected articles. RESULTS: Thirty-seven articles that reported 81 patients with oral manifestations of multiple myeloma were selected: 30 case reports (82%) and seven case series (18%). The most common clinical features in the dental cavity were swelling (65.4%), bone pain (33.3%), paresthesia (27.1%) and amyloidosis lesions (11.1%). Osteolytic lesions detected on imaging exams were reported in the majority of the patients (90.1%) as plasmacytomas or 'punched-out' lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Swelling and osteolytic lesions represent the most common clinical and radiographic signs of the jaws relating to multiple myeloma, respectively.

Dental demineralization associated with gastroesophageal reflux in an orthodontic patient.

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can cause irreversible damage to the hard tissues of the teeth. We report an adolescent patient with severe dental demineralization associated with gastroesophageal reflux during orthodontic treatment. Diagnosis and prevention aspects are presented and discussed.

Are salivary flow rates associated with histopathologic aspects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Abstract The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to verify the association between salivary flow rates (SFR) and the histopathologic aspects of labial salivary glands (LSG) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients presenting rheumatologic diseases referred for oral evaluation were included in the study if they had RA and had SFR measured and LSG biopsy performed. Patients were excluded if they had systemic conditions that affect SFR or if they were being treated for hyposalivation. Cases without enough material for histopathologic analysis were also excluded. Data were collected through questionnaires, oral examination, resting and stimulated SFR, and LSG biopsies. A histopathologic reevaluation was carried out in order to seek for additional histopathologic aspects. Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 53.5 years (25-77), and 94.1% were women. The median resting and stimulated SFRs were 0.24 mL/min and 1.02 mL/min, respectively. The presence of lymphocytic focus and fibrosis were significantly associated with stimulated SFR, but not with resting SFR. The odds ratio of patients who had hyposalivation for presenting a positive lymphocytic focus was 7.33 (confidence interval CI: 1.53-35.23) by the stimulated technique, and 2.56 (CI: 0.57-11.40) in resting SFR. In the medical records, 14 (31.80%) patients had been diagnosed with secondary Sjögren's syndrome. In conclusion, stimulated SFR represent a good screening test to predict lymphocytic focus in LSG in patients with RA, which represents the most specific test to diagnose Sjögren's syndrome.

Orthodontic treatment of patients with sickle-cell anemia.

Sickle-cell anemia is a genetic blood disease characterized by a hemoglobin gene mutation. The genetic failure is basically constituted by replacement of the hemoglobin beta chain in the sixth position so that the amino acid valine is encoded instead of glutamic acid. As a result, the erythrocytes have their normal biconcave discoid shape distorted, generally presenting a sicklelike shape, which reduces both their plasticity and lifetime. Because a complete blood supply is so important during application of both intraoral and extraoral forces, this article addresses the general and oral aspects associated with sickle-cell anemia. This will guide the clinician regarding such patients who seek orthodontic treatment by making references to literature on multidisciplinary management.

O que o Cirurgião-Dentista Precisa Saber Sobre a Doença de Crohn? / What do Dentists Need to Know About Cronh's Disease?

A doença de Crohn é descrita como uma doença inflamatória intestinal de alta complexidade, caracterizando-se por apresentar lesões e inflamações transmurais que podem acometer todo o trato gastrointestinal. A doença de Crohn pode apresentar manifestações bucais, tais como lesões na mucosa, alterações do fluxo salivar e envolvimento periodontal. Para este artigo de revisão, foi realizada uma busca de literatura nas bases de dados PubMed, Scielo e Academic Google, com espaço temporal de 2010 a 2020, utilizando palavras-chaves obtidas de acordo com o descritor em ciência da saúde. Foi encontrado que as lesões bucais estão presentes em cerca de 46,75% dos pacientes jovens e 22% dos pacientes idosos com doença de Crohn, podendo ser bastante incômodas, persistentes e de difícil tratamento. Apresentam-se com diversos aspectos clínicos como: ulcerações lineares ou aftosas, nodularidades da mucosa e aumento de volume labial. Essas lesões estão diretamente relacionadas com a doença, mas algumas lesões podem surgir de forma indireta, como complicação da doença de Crohn ou como efeitos adversos do tratamento. As manifestações bucais podem ser os primeiros sinais da doença de Crohn, logo, o reconhecimento de seus aspectos clínicos pode contribuir para um diagnóstico precoce. Cabe ao cirurgião-dentista reconhecer, diagnosticar e tratar, junto a uma equipe multiprofissional, as manifestações bucais da doença de Crohn, promovendo melhoras no quadro clínico dos pacientes.

Crohn's disease is described as a complex inflammatory bowel disease, characterized by transmural lesions and inflammation that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease can present oral manifestations, such as mucosal lesions, changes in salivary flow rates and periodontal involvement. For this review, a literature search was carried out using PubMed, Scielo and Scholar Google platforms, within the time range from 2010 to 2020, using keywords obtained according to the Health Science Descriptor. We found that oral lesions are present in approximately 46.75% of young patients and 22% of elderly patients with Crohn's disease, which can be uncomfortable, persistent and difficult to treat. They are associated with various clinical aspects such as: linear or aphthous ulcers, mucosal nodularities and increased lip volume. These lesions are directly related to the disease, but some lesions may appear indirectly, as a complication of Crohn's disease or as adverse effects of the treatment. Oral manifestations can be the first signs of Crohn's disease, so the recognition of its clinical aspects can contribute to an early diagnosis. Dentists should be able to recognize, diagnose and treat, along with a multidisciplinary team, the oral manifestations of Crohn's disease, promoting improvements in the patient's clinical condition.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the lower labial mucosa: case report and literature review.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is an uncommon soft tissue sarcoma with a predilection for the extremities and trunk of adults, rarely occurring in the oral cavity. To date, 10 cases of MPNSTs affecting the lower labial mucosa have been reported in the English language literature. We describe an additional case of MPNST in the lower labial mucosa of a 67-year-old male patient, who exhibited a painful swelling with a history of 4 months of evolution. Microscopic examination showed dense plexiform fascicles of spindle cells with wavy atypical nuclei. Mitotic figures and nuclear pleomorphism were evident. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor cells revealed positivity for S-100 protein, CD56, CD34, and neuron-specific enolase but was negative for neurofilament protein, glut-1, claudin-1, desmin, and smooth muscle actin. Ki-67 labeling was 20%. The final diagnosis was MPNST. The lesion was surgically removed with wide margins, with no signs of recurrence after 4 years of follow-up.

Detection of human papillomavirus in dental biofilm and the uterine cervix of a pregnant adolescent.

CONTEXT: Adolescence and pregnancy are considered to be risk factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The relationship between this infection in the uterine cervix and oral HPV infection is controversial. CASE REPORT: This report describes a case of a pregnant 16-year-old adolescent who presented HPV infection in the uterine cervix and the mouth. Smears were collected from the cervix and the tongue/palate. Dental biofilm samples were also collected. The microarray technique was used to detect HPV. The HPV 56 subtype was observed in the cervical smear and HPV 6 in dental biofilm. CONCLUSION: In this pregnant adolescent, HPV infection was present in both the cervix and the mouth, but the HPV subtypes infecting these two areas were different.

Drugs or disease: evaluating salivary function in RA patients.

Oral complications of RA may include temporomandibular joint disorders, mucosa alterations and symptoms of dry mouth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary gland function of subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) comparing it to healthy controls. Subjects with other systemic conditions known to affect salivary functions were excluded. A questionnaire was applied for the evaluation of xerostomia. Resting and chewing-stimulated salivary flow rates (SFR) were obtained under standard conditions. There were 145 subjects included of the study (104 RA and 38 controls). About 66.7% of the RA subjects and 2.4% in control group presented xerostomia. The median resting SFR were 0.24 ml/min for RA subjects and 0.40 mL/min for controls (p = 0.04). The median stimulated SFR were 1.31 mL/min for RA subjects and 1.52 ml/min for controls (p = 0.33). No significant differences were found between resting and stimulated SFR of RA subjects not using xerogenic medications and controls. There was significantly higher number of subjects presenting hyposalivation in the RA group than among controls, even when subjects using xerogenic medications were eliminated from the analysis. In conclusion, hyposalivation and xerostomia were more frequent among RA subjects not using xerogenic medication than among controls, although there were no significant differences in the median SFR between groups.