“The primary pathology in a dental context for Sjögren’s disease is that lymphocytic destruction of the salivary glands,” explained Dr. Trehan. “Whereas for scleroderma, it’s more that fibrosis of the skin and connective tissue.”
Although oral moisture is reduced in both conditions, for patients with Sjögren’s it’s “very markedly” reduced in the form of dry eyes and dry mouth, she said. For scleroderma, the reduction is because of fibrosis of the glands.
Dr. Trehan discussed how she topically manages dry mouth for her patients, suggesting over-the-counter sprays, drops, mouthwashes and sugar-free lozenges. Self-massaging of saliva glands, drinking green tea and swishing a teaspoon of coconut oil in the mouth are other ways to manage dryness. “It’s soothing; it promotes saliva,” she noted. “It’s just coconut oil.” However, the oil can clog the sink, so she advised the audience to tell patients to spit it out into a trash bag instead.
To encourage good oral hygiene, healthcare professionals can recommend tools that are designed for people who struggle with restricted movement. To help control disease pain, patients may benefit from physical therapy, massage and muscle relaxants, Dr. Trehan said.
“Oral health is rheumatologic health,” concluded Dr. Trehan, echoing Dr. Leask’s message. “Collaboration does improve outcomes for our patients and our patient voice really guides our best practices.”
Catherine Kolonko is a medical writer based in Oregon.
