Understanding Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the moisture-producing glands in the body. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks these glands, leading to reduced functionality. This disorder can impact the salivary glands, tear ducts, and other organs.
Oral Health Implications
When the salivary glands are affected, the flow of saliva decreases, which poses significant challenges for oral health. Sjogren’s Syndrome is more prevalent among perimenopausal women aged 40-50; however, it also affects individuals across all racial and ethnic groups.
As your Hadlock family dentist near the Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA area, we recognize the importance of awareness regarding this condition. Like many autoimmune diseases, the exact cause of Sjogren’s remains unknown.
On average, patients take about 4.7 years to receive a diagnosis, despite Sjogren’s being one of the most common autoimmune disorders. This syndrome has two classifications:
- Primary Sjogren’s, which primarily manifests as dryness of the mouth and eyes.
- Secondary Sjogren’s, which occurs alongside other systemic rheumatic autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.
Primary Effects of Sjogren’s
The primary effect of Sjogren’s on oral health is xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth. This condition arises from damage to the salivary glands. Saliva plays several crucial roles in maintaining oral health:
- It washes away food debris after eating and drinking.
- It maintains a more neutral pH, counteracting the acidic effects of bacteria.
- It retains calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride ions, which help keep enamel strong.
- It moistens food and contains enzymes that initiate digestion.
Growth of Decay
When xerostomia goes untreated, the growth of tooth decay can advance rapidly. Therefore, if you experience dry mouth, it is essential to mention it to your dentist and hygienist during your visit. While medications may cause dry mouth, it can also indicate Sjogren’s Syndrome. Collaborating with your dentist and physician to obtain a definitive diagnosis is crucial.
If you have any questions about Sjogren’s Syndrome or xerostomia, please don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or hygienist at your next appointment with us! We offer professional, regular teeth cleanings in the Hadlock area to help you maintain optimal oral health.
Sources:
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
ADHA – http://jdh.adha.org/content/89/6/365