Levels of Selected Matrix Metalloproteinases, Their Inhibitors in Saliva, and Oral Status in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients vs. Healthy Controls.

Despite a comparable clinical oral status of affected and unaffected children, in the JIA patients, a statistically significantly increased level of MMP-9 was found. In reference to the periodontal status, the role of MMPs increased in children with permanent dentition, whereas in reference to dental caries, the period of mixed dentition (MD) was critical.