title: Effect of sialagogue on bleeding on probing in Sjögren's syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bleeding on probing (BOP) is a frequent observation in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and a sialagogue is routinely prescribed for these patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sialagogue (muscarinic cholinergic agonists) on BOP in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  This observational study included 57 subjects. Study population was divided into two groups: Subjects on sialagogue (n = 32) and subjects not on sialagogue due to their side-effects (non-sialagogue, n = 25). The number of sites with BOP was recorded on all teeth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The subjects on sialagogue had a significantly lower mean (standard error) number of sites with BOP 22.97 (2.65) as compared with the non-sialagogue group 46.59 (6.20), P < 0.001. After adjusting for the use of remineralizing rinse the subjects on sialagogue had a significantly lower number of sites with BOP (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this observational study treatment with sialagogue may prevent BOP in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Division of Periodontology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Medha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Athena
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Papas
mesh_terms: D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*