Pos0023-Pare Grit Your Teeth and Endure – Or Could We Do Something Else?

Background: Newer research shows a direct correlation between various RMDs and diseases in teeth and gums. This of course is bad in itself, but being a person with an RMD the problems add up because so many have severe difficulties in hands, arms and jaw. A sufficient mouth hygiene with regular and frequent toothbrushing and flossing can therefore be quite a challenge for people with an RMD. Furthermore seeing a Dentist is expensive, can be painful and people do not go as often as they should. Objectives: The Danish Rheumatism Association had two purposes of drawing attention to the problem of RMD and teeth. 1)Give people with RMDs more knowledge and strengthen their self-management in this field 2)Political campaigning for subsidy to dental treatment. Methods: To reach our two objectives we started by identifying the problem among people with RMDs, this was done through a survey to members of our online user panel and meetings with different interest groups e.g. Danish Patients, Danish Rheumatologists and Danish Dentist Association. The Danish Rheumatism Association had specific focus in this area and we established contacts on a political level to improve and increase the possibilities of subsidy to more people with RMDs. Results: Our Member's magazine made an issue on dental problems and RMDs, enlightening the theme from different sides. We produced new content on our website and social media where experts gave some good advice, e.g. about saliva and periodontitis. Researchers presented their newest research results in local member groups. The Danish Parliament is going to read a bill in this matter in spring 2024. Hopefully this will improve the situation for people with RMDs when it comes to dental visits. We hope to get a chance to present the latest update on the matter during the upcoming eular congress. Conclusion: Research gave knowledge about dental problems and RMDs. By tailoring information and political campaigning we offer better self-management and hopefully will hopefully achieve the subsidy to people with RMDs to dental treatment. We do hope that other PARE members could gain from our results in this field. REFERENCES: [1] www.gigtforeningen.dk [2] P. Holmstrup et al: Comorbidity of periodontal disease: two sides of the same coin? An introduction for the clinician (2017). [3] The interrelationship of periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis, Bolstad et al. 2019. [4] The close association between dental and periodontal treatment and oral ulcer course in Behcet`s disease: a prospective clinical study (Karacayli et al. 2009). [5] Oral Health and its Aetiological Role in Behcet`s Disease (Muncu et al. 2021). Acknowledgements: NIL. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.