Sjogren's Syndrome (SHOW-GRINS) was first described by Dr. Henrik Sjogren, a Swedish physician living in Stockholm in the early 1900's. It has many dental symptoms and because dry mouth is one, a dentist is often first to diagnose the problem. In Sjögren's the immune system attacks and destroys moisture-producing glands throughout body and including the saliva-producing glands. The amount of saliva made is reduced and this results in a dry mouth and throat.

          The lack of saliva causes the tissues to stick together and feel uncomfortable. A dry cough develops as the patient attempts to unstick the tissues and this can create a hoarse voice and difficulty speaking because the throat can not work correctly. Saliva is needed to moisten food and allows it to slide down the throat and esophagus into the stomach. Because of the reduced amount of water in a Sjogren's patient's saliva, it tends to be thick and sticky and doesn't work well. The patient can have difficulty chewing and swallowing. Food sticks in the throat.

          The parotid glands are large glands on each side of the face that swell up when a child has mumps. They produce saliva. Because the ducts of the parotids dry out and stick, the parotids can enlarge in a Sjogren's patient. Normal saliva is needed for taste. Food dissolves in saliva like sugar dissolves in water. The dissolved food floats to the taste buds and you taste. These patients have decreased taste because of decreased and abnormal saliva.

          Chewing sugarless gum and sucking on sugarless lemon drops helps some Sjogren's patients produce more saliva. Biotene, Retardent, and Dental Care toothpastes are specially formulated for patients with dry mouth and all purposely do not have detergents or alcohol to avoid irritating the dry tissues. Artificial saliva substitutes such as MouthCote and Salivart spray can help.

          Saliva also washes food off of the teeth and has many natural antibacterial agents which prevent tooth decay. Since a Sjogren's patient has decreased and abnormal saliva, rampant tooth decay can develop. To prevent this, patients must have excellent oral hygiene including brushing and flossing several times a day and use prescription fluoride gels that kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay. These patients should religiously visit a dentist for a regular cleaning and check up every six months or more.

          A Sjogren's Syndrome patient can develop painful mouth sores due to a Candida infection. The palate and soft tissues of the mouth turn fire engine red (macular erythema) from the chronic erythematous form of candidiasis. Candida also causes the corner of the lips to become sore and red (angular cheilitis). Dentures require a moist surface to stay in but that's difficult for a Sjogren's patient . Dentures can also harbor bacteria and yeast that can create serious problems. Dentures must be carefully cleaned and soaked overnight in an antibacterial, anti-yeast cleaner. If you would like to schedule a free dental consultation appointment with Georgia Dentist, Dr. Padolsky, call  404-874-7428.