Understanding Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the moisture-producing glands. In this condition, the body’s immune system attacks these cells, causing them to stop working. Consequently, this impacts saliva glands, tear ducts, and other organs.
For oral health, the primary concern arises when the syndrome affects saliva glands, thus reducing saliva flow. Although Sjogren’s is more common in perimenopausal women aged 40-50, it also appears across all racial and ethnic groups.
Persistent Dry Mouth
Notably, a dry mouth caused by Sjogren’s Syndrome persists regardless of water intake. This persistent dryness sets it apart from other temporary causes of dry mouth.
Causes and Diagnosis
As with many autoimmune diseases, scientists have not yet identified the direct cause of Sjogren’s. Despite being one of the most common autoimmune disorders, patients typically wait an average of 4.7 years for a diagnosis. Medical professionals classify Sjogren’s Syndrome into two categories.
Firstly, primary Sjogren’s manifests as dryness of the mouth and eyes. Secondly, secondary Sjogren’s associates with other systemic rheumatic autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.
Impact on Oral Health
The primary effect of Sjogren’s on oral health is xerostomia (dry mouth) resulting from damage to salivary glands. Saliva plays multiple crucial roles in the oral cavity:
- It washes away food debris after eating and drinking.
- It maintains a more neutral pH to counteract the acidic effects of bacteria.
- It retains calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride ions to keep enamel strong.
- It moistens food and contains enzymes to begin digestion.
Importance of Early Detection
When left untreated, xerostomia can lead to rapid advancement of tooth decay. Therefore, if you experience persistent dry mouth, it’s crucial to inform your dentist and hygienist. While medications can cause dry mouth, it may also indicate Sjogren’s syndrome. Hence, working with your dentist and physician to obtain a definitive diagnosis is essential.
In conclusion, if you have questions about Sjogren’s Syndrome or xerostomia, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or hygienist during your next visit. Early detection and proper management can significantly improve your oral health and overall quality of life.
References
Mouth Healthy
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sjogrens-syndrome
National Center for Biotechnology Information
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18362310