Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: Voluntary participation in the study. Aged 18 to 65 years. For participants in the rheumatoid arthritis groups, diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis at least 1 year before enrollment. For participants in the systemically healthy groups, absence of any systemic disease that may affect periodontal tissues. No periodontal treatment within the previous 6 months. No local or systemic antibiotic use within the previous 3 months. Never having smoked or having stopped smoking at least 2 years before enrollment. For participants in the periodontally healthy control groups, no history of periodontal disease and the presence of good oral hygiene. Exclusion Criteria: Unwillingness to participate in the study. Age younger than 18 years or older than 65 years. Presence of any systemic disease other than rheumatoid arthritis that may affect periodontal tissues. Local or systemic antibiotic use within the previous 3 months. Periodontal treatment within the previous 6 months. Pregnancy or lactation. Use of medications that may affect gingival tissues, including calcium channel blockers, phenytoin, cyclosporine, or hormone replacement therapy. Receiving biological treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, such as anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. Current smoking.