An update on the management for the dental patient with Sjögren's syndrome and xerostomia.
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic and uncomfortable inflammatory condition for the individuals who suffer from it. There are many and varied systemic and oral complications associated with Sjögren's syndrome. It is also a complex and challenging condition for the dentist to diagnose and manage. The key concepts are early recognition and intervention to prevent the secondary complications from hyposalivation. To the degree possible, salivary flow should be restored by either artificial salivas or stimulated by secretogogues or both, which is usually the case. Atrophy and secondary infections of the oral mucosa should be properly identified, effectively treated, and frequently monitored. Pilocarpine HCl (Salagen) has been shown to be effective in increasing salivary flow in patients with SS. Preventive and supportive therapy including supplemental fluorides, dietary assessment, and frequent professional recalls are imperative to maintaining the oral health of the patient with SS.
Rhodus
N L
NL
Division of Oral Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D005926:Glossalgia / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D018442:Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / Q000209:etiology; D018721:Muscarinic Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012464:Saliva, Artificial / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012636:Secretory Rate; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
D018721:Muscarinic Agonists; D012464:Saliva, Artificial; D010862:Pilocarpine