Oral Health, Saliva Bacteria, and Disease Activity in Children With JIA: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the relationship between disease activity and oral health status in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The main question it aims to answer is: Is disease activity associated with oral health in children with JIA? Do children with active disease have poorer oral health compared to those in clinical remission? Participants already receiving routine rheumatology care for JIA will undergo a single study visit. At that visit, disease activity will be assessed, an oral health examination will be performed, and saliva samples will be collected. Based on the disease activity assessment, participants will be classified into two groups: those with active disease and those in remission. Oral health measures and saliva-related parameters will be compared between the two groups. This study is expected to provide preliminary evidence to help identify JIA children at higher risk of oral health problems and to support the integration of oral health evaluation into comprehensive JIA management.