Dental Health and Sjögrens Syndrome
If you have dealt with Sjögrens Syndrome, you know the symptoms all too well: chronically dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue and joint pain. A chronic autoimmune disorder, Sjögrens Syndrome causes the immune system to attack moisture-producing glands throughout the body, including the salivary glands.
Living with this disorder can have negative effects on oral health. The production of saliva is essential to maintaining a healthy mouth as it:
• Washes food and debris away from teeth and gums
• Softens and breaks down food, easing swallowing and digestion
• Keeps teeth strong by delivering calcium, fluoride and phosphate ions
Though no ethnicity or age group is immune to Sjögrens Syndrome, it most commonly affects women between the ages of 40 and 50.
Though dry mouth is a common symptom experienced by millions around the world, Sjögrens Syndrome can be difficult to diagnose. If you have been suffering from a chronic dry mouth, schedule a visit with your dentist to discuss your symptoms.