What does dry mouth and Sjogren’s syndrome have in common? Both encourage the spread of bacteria in the mouth which in turn causes oral health problems and other health complications. As you know, saliva contains oxygen which impedes the growth and spread of bacteria in the oral cavity and washes them out. Without saliva, bacteria can grow out of control and cause a host of dental problems, like gingivitis and periodontal diseases. You could even loose your teeth in the process. Apart from that, you would have a hard time grinding and swallowing your food with a really dry mouth.
Sjogren’s syndrome, to those who may not be familiar with this disease, is an autoimmune disease which attacks the healthy cells of the body. What it does is it attacks the glands that secrete moisture to your eyes and mouth. While it is believed that it affects more women than men, anyone can have Sjogren’s syndrome. However, it is still unclear how you can get this disease. Research concludes that Sjogren’s syndrome is hereditary, or an effect of other diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or cirrhosis. To date, there are no known cures for Sjogren’s syndrome. Treatments are often focused on relieving the symptoms.
Symptoms of the Sjogren’s syndrome may overlap with symptoms of other diseases or with the effects of other medications. That is why it could easily be misdiagnosed. However, if you have not taken any medication, or if you do not have any other ailments and you are experiencing dry mouth and eyes, you may have Sjorgen’s disease. Other notable symptoms include swelling and painful joints, swollen salivary glands, skin rashes, vaginal dryness and persistent cough. If you experience the following, it is best to see a doctor. Do not self-diagnose as taking the wrong medication can be very fatal to your health.
One of the best things to do if you have Sjogren’s syndrome is to monitor your dental health. As dry mouth can lead to other oral infection and complications, it is important that you practice good oral hygiene to keep the bacteria level in check. If you are still experiencing discomfort, then maybe it is time to switch brands of oral hygiene products you are using. If you have been using an alcohol-based mouthwash, it is best to replace that with an alcohol-free or organic mouthwash. You must also replace your fluoride toothpaste with non-foaming toothpaste made of natural ingredients.