Sjogren's Syndrome

• What is Sjogren’s syndrome?

  An autoimmune condition causing dryness
• What are the primary symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome?

  Dry mouth, dry eyes, and tear duct dryness
• How does Sjogren’s syndrome affect oral tissues?

  It leads to dryness and increased caries risk
• What is xerostomia?

  Dry mouth due to reduced saliva
• What is Sjogren's syndrome?

  An autoimmune condition that causes dryness of the mouth, eyes, and tear ducts
• How does Sjogren's syndrome affect the oral tissues?

  It reduces saliva production, leading to dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, taste disturbances, and increased risk of dental caries and gum disease
• What are the common symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome?

  Dry mouth, dry eyes, thirst, swollen lymph nodes, and arthritis
• How does the lack of saliva in Sjogren's syndrome affect the oral environment?

  It reduces the buffering effect of saliva, leading to a more acidic oral environment and increased risk of tooth demineralization and dental caries
• How does the reduced saliva flow in Sjogren's syndrome increase the risk of gum disease?

  The reduced saliva flow leads to increased plaque and calculus buildup, causing gingival inflammation and gingivitis/periodontal disease
• What are the common candidal infections that denture wearers with Sjogren's syndrome may experience?

  Thrush, angular cheilitis, and lichen planus
• What preventative and management advice would you give to a patient with Sjogren's syndrome?

  • Regularly sip water to avoid dryness
  • Eat moist/wet foods to help with swallowing
  • Avoid dry, spicy, and high-sugar foods
  • Chew sugar-free gum
  • Use artificial saliva
  • Brush with a manual toothbrush using the modified bass technique
  • Use a high-fluoride toothpaste (5000 ppm)
  • Spit don't rinse after brushing
  • Use a 0.05% NaF mouthwash
  • Apply full-mouth Duraphat fluoride varnish 2-4 times per year
  • Fissure seal the molars
  • Take regular radiographs to detect and treat any dental caries
• What is the pH range for enamel demineralization and remineralization?

  Enamel demineralizes at around pH 5.5 and remineralizes around pH 7.5
• What is the formula to calculate the area of a circle?

  $A =$$\pi r^2$