The significance of different factors involved in the systemic genesis of dental caries and responsible for high intensity of this condition and its complications in patients presenting with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is discussed. The effect of severity of articular syndrome (in the first place of the lesions in the wrist joints and the temporomandibular joint) is evaluated. It is shown that this effect is largely related to the systemic disturbances in mineral metabolism associated with the primary disease, concomitant Sjogren's syndrome, and abnormal mineralizing function of the saliva. The results of the study suggest a highly intensive carious process in patients presenting with rheumatoid arthritis and may be useful for the elucidation of the causes underlying this clinical condition.