Sjogrens dry mouth

[Rosie]

Hi

I was diagnosed with Sjogrens syndrome ten years ago and over the last few years I have noticed that the disease has caused my mouth to become more and more dry.

Recently two of my back teeth fractured because of decay and then a crown that had been in for almost 20 years just fell out and my dentist said that I have Sjogrens syndrome and these problems are associated with a dry mouth.

Could you tell me if there is anything that I could do to protect my teeth against decay and fracture? I am worried that all of my teeth would break or decay and leave me with no option but dentures.

I used to see a specialist at the local hospital for Sjogrens dry mouth but when I moved house, I lost contact with him. Do you think that I should go back, is there anything that he can do to help?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Dry mouth is a serious problem that could result in rapid tooth decay.

I would recommend that you try to sip water through out the day to reduce the periods that your mouth is dry. I would use Flouride mouthwash daily and try to use sugar free gum to stimulate your saliva flow. You should maintain excellent oral hygiene and reduce your sugar intake as much as possible. High Flouride toothpaste could also help to protect your teeth against decay, your dentist will be able to prescribe it for you.

You need to see the dentist and the hygienist regularly and be refered to an Oral medicine specialist.