How does Sjogren's Syndrome affect Oral Health?

The dentists at Alta Loma Dental Care are happy to be part of the care teams for people suffering from autoimmune disorders. One disorder which affects oral health is Sjögren’s Syndrome, which can cause dry mouth and which dentists often help to identify.

In people with Sjögren’s Syndrome, the body attacks the tear and saliva glands. It can also impact the joints and is commonly seen in people with lupus, most of whom are older women. Also like lupus, it appears to have a genetic component but be triggered by infections. Sjögren’s Syndrome is painful but especially dangerous for oral health because of the role saliva plays in clearing out food debris and maintaining the right balance of bacteria. People with dry mouth are at high risk for gum disease.

There are medications available that can stimulate saliva production. Throat moisturizers and sucking sugar-free candy can also provide patients with some relief. If a dentist suspects a patient has Sjögren’s Syndrome, the next step will be testing for it from a lower lip biopsy. During this procedure, a few salivary glands are plucked from the patient’s lower lip and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Why Do White Spots Form on My Teeth?

As a provider of the Six Month Smiles orthodontic treatment, we at Alta Loma Dental Care are particularly interested in our patients’ oral hygiene. Many patients understand that wearing braces presents new challenges to brushing and flossing, but they may not be aware of the specifics of an incipient, or white spot, lesion.

White spots are the first sign of tooth decay. When teeth are exposed to acid, they take on an unnaturally white, glazed appearance as the enamel begins losing minerals. The acid is secreted by bacteria when they metabolize food debris. It gets stuck in tartar, particularly in areas that patients often skip over while brushing, such as near the gum line and around orthodontic brackets.

Removing the bacteria’s food source by brushing more thoroughly usually is enough to prevent white spots from becoming permanent, but they can form in as few as thirty days. During monthly orthodontic appointments, we’ll assess whether patients are experiencing decay. Should the worst happen and a white spot becomes permanent, it can be covered with a veneer once the infection is killed. But we would rather patients ask to be shown how to improve their brushing technique before it’s too late.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.