Dental Health
Natural saliva contains substances that rid the mouth of the bacteria that cause cavities and mouth infections, so good oral hygiene is extremely important when you have dry mouth. Did you know that your mouth should produce about 2 liters of saliva every day! Clearly, after lubricating your mouth it is almost all swallowed. However SS suffers do not produce the enough saliva as their saliva ducts tend to be either badly constricted or blocked. Here's what you can do to prevent cavities and infections:
- Visit a dentist at least three times a year to have your teeth examined and cleaned.
- Rinse your mouth with water several times a day. Don't use mouthwash that contains alcohol because alcohol is drying.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to gently brush your teeth, gums, and tongue after each meal and before bedtime. Non foaming toothpaste is less drying.
- Floss your teeth every day.
- Avoid sugar. That means choosing sugar-free gum, candy, and soda. If you do eat or drink sugary foods, brush your teeth immediately afterward.
- Look at your mouth every day to check for redness or sores. See a dentist right away if you notice anything unusual or have any mouth pain or bleeding.
- Ask your dentist whether you need to take fluoride supplements, use a fluoride gel at night, or have a protective varnish put on your teeth to protect the enamel. Dental Resources.
Diagnosis by a Dental Specialist
Sjogren's Syndrome is well understood by dentists, they seem to know all about it. Indeed it was a dental specialist that diagnosed me! After years of consultants, I was referred to a dental specialist, who after listening to me for a few minutes, and after a short examination knew that I had Sjogren's..
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