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Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that significantly affects the glands of the body. It also affects other body organs, including the liver, pancreas, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. The most common symptoms associated with this syndrome are dry eyes and mouth.

The Top 3 Dental Issues of Sjogren’s Syndrome Are:

• Altered taste
• High risk of cavities
• Cheek and lip biting

When Sjogren’s syndrome affects oral health, the person feels an altered taste in the mouth. This dry mouth significantly impairs the taste buds, and as a result, eating becomes less enjoyable because one loses the perception of taste.

Sjogren’s syndrome affects saliva production in the mouth, leading to cavity formation and other associated features. Saliva is a natural teeth protector and helps to protect against mouth infections, tooth loss, tooth pain, and cavity formation. However, this syndrome impairs saliva production, and if not addressed well on time, one can lose their tooth altogether.

With dry mouth because of Sjogren’s syndrome, the lips and cheek get stuck, and patients are more likely to bite their cheeks or lips. As a result, it can lead to the formation of mouth ulcers and other oral health problems.

What Does Sjogren’s Syndrome Do to Your Oral Health?

Sjogren’s syndrome can make chewing and swallowing difficult because of dry throat and tongue. Moreover, it can lead to a condition known as “xerostomia,” or dry mouth with insufficient saliva production.

For good oral health, saliva is highly essential. When saliva production is less, it can cause dental caries, periodontal disease, oral candidiasis, and oral infections. However, the following tips can help you prevent oral health problems associated with Sjogren’s syndrome.

Tips for Better Oral Health with Sjogren’s Syndrome

Some helpful tips to prevent cavities and dry mouth are:

• Regular Dental Visit

It is recommended to visit your dentist regularly, at least once a month. Have your teeth frequently examined to avoid problems associated with Sjogren’s syndrome. Also, ask your dentist to recommend a good fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse for better results.

• Avoid Sugary Items

Avoid sugary drinks and foods as much as possible to maintain good oral health. However, if you still want to have them, brush your teeth immediately after having them.

• Use Lip Balm

Lips balm proves helpful to cure dry and cracked lips. If you have Sjogren’s syndrome, your lips will dry, and a lip balm will facilitate you.

Conclusion

Though there is no proper diagnosis for Sjogren’s syndrome, it can still cause significant loss to one’s oral health. However, a lot can be done to maintain good oral health to reduce its repercussions. The above-given tips are good to consider in this regard.

To learn more about Sjogren’s Syndrome, contact your dentists in Petaluma, Amir Hosseini, DDS, Azadeh Hosseini, DDS, and Ghazal Hosseini, DDS at Petaluma Braces & Family

Resource:

Orthodontics: What is the Specialty of an Orthodontist?

*Neither this nor any other content in this media is meant to prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. We highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.

Bad breath is also known as Halitosis. It may also cause anxiety and can be embarrassing for most people. Gums, mint and mouthwashes, and some other products are available to help against bad breath. Some foods, health conditions, and even habits can be the cause of bad breath. You can improve the bad breath through proper dental hygiene. Make sure that a serious underlying condition isn’t causing bad breath.

What Are The Causes of Bad Breath?

There are many possible causes of bad breath; some of which are:

• Tobacco Products

Tobacco products cause an unpleasant smell. Smokers and people who use tobacco may have many gum diseases and other sources of bad breath.

• Infections In Your Mouth

The wounds inside your mouth can also cause bad breath after oral surgery, like as mouth sores, tooth decay, or removal of a tooth.

• Food

The food particles that remain around or in the tooth can cause bacteria and cause a foul odor. Eating foods such as Garlic, Onions, spices can cause bad breath. After digesting food, it carries to your lungs and may affect bad breath.

• Dry Mouth

Saliva helps in cleansing your mouth. A condition called xerostomia causes bad breath because the amount of saliva decreases. It mainly occurs during sleep, when you are sleeping with an open mouth. Chronic dry mouth can happen when you have salivary glands problems and some other diseases.

How to Prevent Bad Breath?

There are some tips to prevent bad breath, which are as below;

1. Firstly, schedule regular dental checkups. To examine your teeth.
2. Must brush your teeth after eating food. Toothpaste with antibacterial properties can reduce the foul odor.
3. It would be best if you needed to floss at least once a day. It removes plaque and food particles between your teeth.
4. Take a healthy diet. Avoid eating sugary food and foods that cause bad breath, such as onions, garlic, etc.
5. Change your brush after every month. You need to select a soft-bristled toothbrush.
6. Avoid having a dry mouth. Drink plenty of water and avoid tobacco and alcohol.
7. If you wear a denture or bridge, you must clean it.

How to Treat Bad Breath?

Avoiding cavities reduces bad breath. The treatment of bad breath can further depend upon the causes of bad breath. See your dentist or physician if simple self-care techniques don’t solve the problem. Your dentist or physician guides you about proper health care. Some dental measures may include;

• Treatment of Dental Disease

If you have gum disease, you may visit a Periodontist. Gum diseases can pull your teeth away and fill the deep pockets with odor-causing bacteria. Then you need professional cleaning that removes those bacteria.

• Mouth Rinses and Toothpaste

If you have bad breath because of plaque on your teeth, your dentist may recommend some mouth rinses that bacteria. Your dentist may also suggest a toothpaste that contains antibacterial properties to kill the bacteria causing plaque buildup.

Resource:

Dentures – Care and Cleaning

*Neither this nor any other content in this media is meant to prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. We highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.