Oral hygiene practices and oral health-related quality of life of people with rheumatoid arthritis in Hong Kong

Abstract

Aims: The aims of this project were to investigate the oral hygiene practice and oral healthrelated quality of life (OHRQoL) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Hong Kong, and to collect participants’ feedback regarding the oral hygiene education (OHE) videos produced. Methods: Members of the Hong Kong Rheumatoid Arthritis Association were invited to participate in this study. An online questionnaire was used to collect information on the participant’s self-reported RA symptoms, oral health conditions, oral hygiene practices and OHRQoL. OHE was provided through an online video showing modification of toothbrush handle and toothbrushing techniques. Results: There were 85 participants who responded to the online questionnaire. Most (89%) of the participants brushed their teeth at least twice a day using a manual toothbrush (77%) or an electric toothbrush (23%). The common oral health problems reported by the participants were swollen and/or bleeding gums (64%), temporomandibular joint pain and/or reduced range of mouth opening (55%), toothache (48%) and inadequate salivary flow (33%). The oral health problems were associated with the participant’s RA symptoms in wrist and finger joints (p<0.05). Besides, participants with wrist or finger joints symptoms had poorer OHRQoL than those without symptoms (p<0.05). Symptoms in wrists were significantly associated with participants’ perceived impact of RA on their ability to brush teeth (p=0.002). Twenty-six participants commented on the online OHE videos and 12 of the 13 participants who tried toothbrush handle modification found it effective and beneficial. Conclusion: RA patients in Hong Kong have satisfactory oral hygiene practices. Symptoms in wrists and fingers have significant impacts on the RA patients’ oral health conditions, OHRQoL and toothbrushing ability. The produced OHE videos on modification of toothbrush handles and toothbrushing techniques are beneficial for RA patients.