Sjögren's (SHOW-grins) Syndrome is a disorder of your immune system often defined by its two most common symptoms dry eyes and a dry mouth. Oral complications from Sjögren's can compromise patients health and quality of life. For some patients, the complications are often very difficult to tolerate.
Most people with Sjögren's Syndrome are women. It can occur at any age and in any race, is rare in children, and most often shows up after age 40. Sjögren's Syndrome affects more than 4 million people in the United States.
What causes Sjögren's Syndrome?
Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disease. The immune system should fight diseases by killing off harmful viruses and bacteria. However, in Sjögren's, the immune system begins to attack parts of the body itself. It primarily attacks the glands that make tears and saliva. The damage keeps these glands from working correctly and causes dry eyes and dry mouth.
There is no known cause of Sjögren's Syndrome. Some think it may be caused by a combination of two things:
- Genes
- Exposure to viruses or bacteria
What are the symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome?
The main symptoms are:
Saliva is part of the body?s natural immune system. It provides a "first-line-of-defense" against chemical, mechanical and infectious attacks. Without enough saliva, the mouth loses the ability to defend against a number of disease progressions and the growth of harmful bacteria increases. This increase in bacteria produces plaque along the gum line, promotes demineralization of teeth, and creates a burning sensation in the mouth.
Sjögren's Syndrome can also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive organs, and nerves. Other symptoms can include:
- Dry skin
- Skin rashes
- Chronic dry cough
- Thyroid problems
- Joint and muscle pain
- Vaginal dryness
- Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs
- Oral thrush (Candidiasis)
Sjögren's can also make you very tired.
Increased Susceptibility to Dry Mouth
In Sjögren's, your immune system attacks the healthy soft tissue of the mouth. The mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your mouth are usually affected first, resulting in decreased production of saliva and increased susceptibility to oral complications, including:
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
- Oral thrush (Candidiasis)
- Hoarseness
- Throat irritation
- Dental cavities
- Change in sense of taste
- Difficulty in swallowing and chewing
