Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder which attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands. This disorder has no known cause and shows in woman much more often than men. Sjögren’s syndrome can dry out the eyes, organs, and mouth.
What Sjögren’s Syndrome Affects
The majority of the body is made of water, so when parts of it can’t be supplied with the necessary amount, then problems occur. Sjögren’s syndrome can damage the:
- Eyes
- Thyroid
- Joints
- Blood vessels
- Lungs
- Liver
- Skin
- Nerves
- Mouth
- Pancreas
- Kidneys
How Sjögren’s Syndrome Affects The Mouth
Saliva is a crucial element in the mouth. It works to lubricate, coat, and protect oral tissue and does so by:
- Neutralizing harmful acids
- Bringing in substances which fight diseases like yeast infections
- Cleaning away and breaking down food
- Aiding chewing, swallowing, and speaking
- Bringing in tooth rebuilding minerals like calcium, phosphate, and fluoride
Even though saliva is mostly water, it contains many essential components such as immunoglobulins, electrolytes, antimicrobial enzymes, buffers, digestive enzymes, etc. If you think you have Sjögren’s syndrome, then speak with your physician and dentist for ways to deal with the symptoms. Solutions a dentist may suggest for protecting the health of your mouth include:
- Drinking more water
- Keeping up on oral hygiene
- Chewing sugar-free gum
- Using artificial saliva