The Sjogrens Syndrome Desert

The Mojave Desert is a unique environment where moisture is scarce.
Your mouth is also a unique environment, and if you suffer from
Sjögren's Syndrome, your mouth likely feels like a desert, too.

Sjögren's Syndrome occurs when your body mistakes your salivary glands for foreign intruders and attacks them.

Occasionally, everyone's mouth feels dry like desert sand. Perhaps it
was something you ate or a medication you took that caused your saliva
flow to diminish. However, this desert goes beyond occasional dryness,
as any of the four million Sjögren's Syndrome sufferers in the U.S.
with will tell you.

Unfortunately, someone with Sjögren's Syndrome typically has the
disease for six years before it is diagnosed because it mimics and
co-exists with several other conditions. You likely recognize the names
of two of those conditions: rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

To complicate diagnosis, no two people have the same signs or symptoms. Some signs and symptoms include—

enlarged saliva glands thick, sticky saliva decreased ability to taste foods and smell difficulty chewing, swallowing and talking burning sensation in the mouth dry cough, nose and skin sore or cracked tongue

extreme fatigue joint pain increase in cavities teeth are sensitive to hot, cold and sweets oral infections, like yeast (thrush) digestion problems difficulty tolerating dentures

There is no cure for Sjögren's Syndrome, and saliva is one of the
most important fluids in your body. It helps to protect you from
bacteria, yeasts and viruses.

During your regular check-ups, we can usually detect early stages of
Sjögren's Syndrome before you are aware of dryness in your mouth. We
can monitor your dental health and give you recommendations for things
you can do at home to ease the desert sand discomfort you will no doubt
experience. There are prescription medications and new over-the-counter
oral care products that might provide relief.

The desert is an interesting place to visit, but you probably don't
want to live there! If you have Sjögren's Syndrome, we need to
intervene quickly. Please call us right away if you are experiencing a
dental issue. We want to keep you and your teeth in the best of health.

houston dentist