SJÖGREN'S SYNDROME – AN UPDATE FOR THE DENTAL PRACITITIONERS

Abstract

A normal flow of saliva is a luxury we enjoy unconsciously throughout our lives, little realizing the distressing effects that one experiences when this mechanism fails due to different reasons. There are different pathological conditions that cause xerostomia. E.g., salivary gland aplasia, Sjogren's syndrome, chemotherapy, head and neck radiotherapy, Alzheimer's disease, etc. Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) is progressive, debilitating disorder in which the body's immune system destroys the mucinous secretions of exocrine tissues resulting in the hallmark features of dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (sicca syndrome).

Sjogren's syndrome is of particular interest to the dental profession, since the mouth is a major site of involvement? For optimal oral care of patients with SS, it is essential that the dentist recognize this condition and be involved intimately in the health care delivery team. This is a review on the Sjogren's Syndrome for the same