Sjögren’s Syndrome

When people suffer from autoimmune disorders, the dentists of Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie are on their side. The mouth is one of the many body parts ravaged by Sjögren’s Syndrome, and we want patients to understand what it does to them and what they can do about it.

Sjögren’s Syndrome causes dryness in the eyes and mouth. It commonly appears in people who also suffer from lupus, most of whom are women over the age of forty. As it continues, it may also cause joint pain and patients may grapple with depression as a result of chronic pain. It is unknown what causes Sjögren’s Syndrome, but lupus often appears in people after an infection or other trauma.

Because Sjögren’s Syndrome causes dry mouth (also called xerostomia), people who have it struggle to clear their mouths of food debris. As a result, they are at risk for periodontal disease. While investigating for Sjögren’s, a doctor will take a sample of some salivary glands from the patient’s lower lip. If it is confirmed, patients will need to be treated for dry mouth through means such as throat moisteners and medication.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit Bear Creek Dental.