Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s Syndrome is a systemic auto-immune disease characterised by dry mouth and dry eyes and various auto-immune changes, confirmed by a blood test or salivary gland biopsy.
Sjögren’s Syndrome can occur as an independent, primary condition, ”Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome“ or accompany another auto-immune disease, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, in which case it is known as “Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome”.
In addition to dryness of the mucous membranes and skin, Sjögren’s Syndrome can also lead to:
- general symptoms such as fatigue, musculo-skeletal pain and less commonly
- pathological changes in internal organs and
- various complications such as caries (dental decay), candidosis (Thrush) [link to Oral Candidiasis], congenital heart block and lymphoma.
Sjögren’s Syndrome can have profound effects on the mouth (hence its inclusion on this web-site).
This is a broad subject and other people / websites explain it far better than me.
I list here some very useful websites and also a variety of articles about Sjögren’s Syndrome.
Useful Websites:
British Sjögren’s Syndrome Association
Revised International Classification Criteria for Sjögren’s Syndrome
Emedicine (Connective Tissue Disorders)
Useful Articles
Dent Update1999. Orofacial Disease. Update for the Dental Clinical Team 8. Salivary Complaints
Oral Diseases 2002. Current Issues in Sjögren’s Syndrome
Am Fam Physician 2009. Diagnosis & Management of Sjögren’s Syndrome
BMJ 2012. Practice Pointer. Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
BDJ 2012. Sjögren’s Syndrome – An Update for Dental Practitioners
British Sjögren’s Syndrome Association – Sjögren’s Syndrome
British Sjögren’s Syndrome Association – Diagnosing Sjögren’s Syndrome
British Sjögren’s Syndrome Association – Treatment of Sjögren’s Syndrome
British Sjögren’s Syndrome Association – General Advice on Sjögren’s Syndrome
Eastman Dental Institute, Oral Medicine Clinic – Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Information Sheet