People with Sjogren's syndrome often have a long lasting dry mouth, which makes teeth more prone to decay and the mouth more likely to feel sore. Proper care helps protect the teeth and reduce discomfort.
- Sjogren's syndrome reduces saliva, so people have a dry mouth and are prone to decay.
- Fluoride toothpaste, small sips of water and saliva substitutes as your doctor advises help protect the teeth.
- Avoid strong alcohol based mouthwash, smoking, alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- See the dentist more often than usual so decay and gum inflammation are found early.
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the glands that make saliva and tears work less well, so people often have a long lasting dry mouth and dry eyes. Saliva washes food away, neutralises acid and protects the teeth, so when saliva falls, the teeth and mouth run into problems more easily. The condition is followed and treated by a rheumatologist or another suitable specialist, while the dentist helps protect the mouth and teeth.
How does a dry mouth affect the teeth and mouth?
- Decay becomes more likely, especially at the neck of the teeth and between them, see tooth decay in adults.
- Gum inflammation, oral thrush and mouth ulcers are more likely.
- Chewing and swallowing become harder, and the mouth may taste bitter or odd, see a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth.
- Denture wearers are prone to sore, burning gums, see oral thrush in denture wearers.
Daily oral care
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, with the strength advised by your dentist, see fluoride in toothpaste.
- Take small sips of water often through the day and carry a water bottle with you.
- Chew sugar free gum or suck sugar free sweets to stimulate saliva, if your doctor allows it.
- Use a saliva substitute or moisturising gel as your doctor advises.
- Avoid strong alcohol based mouthwash, smoking, alcohol and caffeinated drinks because they dry the mouth further.
- Limit sweet and sour snacks between meals.
Regular dental check ups
People with Sjogren's syndrome should see the dentist more often than usual, on the schedule the dentist suggests, so decay and gum inflammation are found early. The dentist can also advise on topical fluoride or other ways to protect enamel. See also dry mouth in people taking medicines and dry mouth in menopausal women.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, and bring information about your condition and the medicines you take so the dentist can advise you properly.
Frequently asked questions
Why are people with Sjogren's syndrome prone to tooth decay?
Because saliva is reduced, the teeth are washed and protected less, so acid and bacteria cause decay more easily, especially at the neck of the teeth and between them.
How should someone with Sjogren's syndrome care for their mouth?
Brush with fluoride toothpaste, take small sips of water, use saliva substitutes or moisturising gel as your doctor advises, avoid strong alcohol based mouthwash and attend regular check ups.
How often should I see the dentist with Sjogren's syndrome?
More often than usual, on the schedule your dentist suggests, so decay and gum inflammation are found early.