Sjogren's Syndrome Overview and Causes

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following medications is NOT mentioned in the text as a common cause of dry mouth?

  • Antidepressants
  • Antihypertensives
  • Antihistamines
  • Antibiotics (correct)

What is the average amount of saliva a person produces in a 24-hour period?

  • 750ml
  • 500ml (correct)
  • 250ml
  • 100ml

What is the term used to describe the feeling of a dry mouth when there is actually sufficient saliva?

  • Sialorrhea
  • Objective xerostomia
  • Xerostomia
  • Subjective xerostomia (correct)

What specific type of antidepressant is mentioned as a common cause of dry mouth?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common type of antihypertensive medication that can cause dry mouth?

<p>Calcium channel blockers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a common symptom for patients with Sjögren's syndrome?

<p>Both A and B (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of the population in the UK that experiences dry mouth?

<p>13% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a proton pump inhibitor mentioned in the text?

<p>Pantoprazole (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bacteria contribute to dental caries in patients with dry mouth?

<p>Lactobacilli (C), Streptococcus mutans (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the oral mucosa in patients with dry mouth?

<p>Shiny, glassy appearance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the gingivae in patients with dry mouth?

<p>Lack of stippling (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are dental caries most commonly found in patients with dry mouth?

<p>Cervical surfaces, cusp tips, and incisal edges (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of xerostomia?

<p>Subjective and Objective (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a thorough medical history when assessing a patient with dry mouth?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a possible presentation of a dry mouth patient's tongue?

<p>Papillated (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommendation for denture wearers who experience dry mouth?

<p>Use an over-the-counter dry mouth product (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the scale described in this text?

<p>To objectively assess the severity of xerostomia. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the relationship between the scale score and treatment needs?

<p>A higher score indicates a greater need for treatment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of scores on the scale described in the text?

<p>1 to 10 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the progression of xerostomia symptoms?

<p>Symptoms may not progress in the order listed on the scale. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a change in the scale score over time?

<p>It indicates a need for further testing by a specialist. (B), It indicates a need for a different treatment approach. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature assessed by the scale described in the text?

<p>Taste perception (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options is an example of a potential intervention mentioned in the text?

<p>Referral to a specialist (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference mentioned in the text between a score of 1 and a score of 10 on the scale?

<p>The severity of xerostomia symptoms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of salivary hypofunction, according to the content?

<p>Absence of saliva pooling in the floor of the mouth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of salivary hypofunction?

<p>Increased salivary flow leading to drooling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the increased susceptibility to dental caries in individuals with salivary hypofunction?

<p>Reduced buffering capacity of saliva leading to a lowered pH (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of monitoring score changes over time in relation to salivary hypofunction?

<p>To determine the effectiveness of treatment for salivary hypofunction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely reason instruments used to examine the oral cavity would stick to the buccal mucosa and tongue in individuals with salivary hypofunction?

<p>Increased dryness of the oral cavity due to reduced saliva production (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals would likely be most qualified to recognize the signs of salivary hypofunction?

<p>General Dentist (GDP) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely impact of salivary hypofunction on the ability to taste food?

<p>Diminished taste perception due to reduced saliva acting as a solvent (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of saliva in oral health?

<p>Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting teeth from caries and maintaining oral hygiene (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the second most common autoimmune rheumatic disease?

<p>Sjögren’s syndrome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of people in the UK with Sjögren’s syndrome?

<p>500,000 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome?

<p>Skin rash (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the test used to assess the amount of moisture in the eyes?

<p>Ocular staining test (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential trigger for Sjögren’s syndrome?

<p>Both A and B (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the age range when Sjögren’s syndrome is most likely to be diagnosed?

<p>Mid 30s to mid 50s (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a labial gland biopsy?

<p>To examine the structure of the salivary glands (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a standard diagnostic procedure for Sjögren’s syndrome?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a decrease in saliva flow caused by the failure of the salivary glands to function normally?

<p>Hyposalivation (A), Objective Xerostomia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of subjective xerostomia?

<p>Drug-induced (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential physiological cause of decreased saliva flow?

<p>Age (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the table, what is a possible cause of Objective Xerostomia that is not related to medical conditions?

<p>Smoking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average rate of salivary gland function?

<p>0.10 ml/min (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the scale used to assess patients with a dry mouth?

<p>Challacombe Scale (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of Objective Xerostomia according to the article?

<p>Mouth Breathing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main reasons why understanding dry mouth is important for dentists?

<p>To provide appropriate dental treatment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of Objective Xerostomia?

<p>Drug-induced (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of dry mouth mentioned in the article?

<p>Subjective and Objective (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cariogenic Bacteria

Bacteria that contribute to tooth decay, such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli.

Dry Mouth

A condition marked by a lack of saliva, leading to oral health issues.

Xerostomia

The subjective feeling of dry mouth, often reported by patients.

Cervical Caries

Tooth decay that primarily affects the cervical surfaces (near the gumline).

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Denture-Induced Changes

Alterations to oral structures due to wearing dentures, like shiny gums.

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Assessment of Dry Mouth

The process of history taking and examination to diagnose xerostomia causes.

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Incisal Edges

The cutting edges of anterior teeth, often involved in caries.

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Oral Mucosa Changes

Alterations in the appearance of oral tissues, often seen in dry mouth cases.

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Salivary Glands Function

Salivary glands produce saliva, averaging 0.10 ml/min.

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Objective Xerostomia

Decreased saliva flow due to salivary gland failure.

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Salivary Hypofunction

Reduced saliva production leading to dry mouth.

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Iatrogenic Causes

Dry mouth caused by medical treatments or medications.

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Drug-Induced Xerostomia

Dry mouth resulting specifically from medications.

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Sjögren’s Syndrome

An autoimmune disorder causing dry mouth and eyes.

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Challacombe Scale

A clinical aid to assess dry mouth severity.

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Causes of Dry Mouth

Includes mouth breathing, dehydration, and age-related factors.

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Salivary Gland Diseases

Conditions affecting saliva production; can contribute to xerostomia.

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Symptom progression

Changes in symptoms over time that help monitor a patient’s condition.

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Soft and hard tissue changes

Alterations in oral tissues due to lack of saliva.

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Dental caries susceptibility

Increased risk of tooth decay due to changes in saliva composition.

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Buffering capacity of saliva

Saliva's ability to neutralize acids in the mouth.

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Lower pH in mouth

Increased acidity in the mouth due to reduced saliva.

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Saliva pooling absence

Lack of saliva accumulation in the floor of the mouth.

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Caries affecting specific areas

Decay primarily occurring on cervical surfaces, cusp tips, and incisal edges.

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Scale purpose

To visually identify and quantify xerostomia severity.

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Severity scoring

Scores range from 1 to 10, with 1 being least severe and 10 most severe.

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Intervention selection

Selecting appropriate treatments based on score changes over time.

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Additive scoring

Each feature scores one point to total the severity score.

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Buccal mucosa

The inner lining of the cheeks and lips in the oral cavity.

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Referral to specialist

Directing patients to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

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Common Medications

Medications frequently associated with dry mouth include antidepressants and antihistamines.

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Antidepressants

A category of medications that can lead to dry mouth; includes tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs.

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Diuretics

Medications that increase urine production, potentially contributing to dry mouth.

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Saliva Production Rate

On average, a person produces about 500ml of saliva in a 24-hour period, varying by activity.

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Genetic susceptibility

A hereditary predisposition that may lead to the development of Sjögren’s syndrome when triggered by environmental agents.

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Ocular staining test

A test involving the application of Lissamine green dye to assess tear film stability and dryness in the eye.

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Salivary gland ultrasound

An imaging test that assesses the structure of major salivary glands.

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Labial gland biopsy

A procedure to assess the presence of Sjögren’s syndrome by removing a small tissue sample from the lip.

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Common symptoms

Typical signs of Sjögren’s syndrome include dry mouth (xerostomia), dry eyes (xerophthalmia), arthralgia, and fatigue.

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Age of onset

Sjögren’s syndrome often presents in two age peaks: during childbearing years (mid-30s) and post-menopausal period (mid-50s).

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Blood tests

Diagnostic tests for Sjögren’s syndrome that check ENA, ANA antibodies, and rheumatoid factors.

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Study Notes

Dry Mouth and Sjogren's Syndrome: An Overview

  • Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common complaint.
  • Medication use is the most frequent cause.
  • Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, can also cause dry mouth and dry eyes.
  • Patients with Sjögren's syndrome often seek dental care rather than a general practitioner for this symptom.
  • About 13% of the UK population experiences dry mouth.
  • The average person produces 500 ml of saliva per day.
  • Saliva production increases to 2 ml/minute during eating and decreases to 0.1 ml/minute during sleep.

Causes of Dry Mouth

  • Drug-induced xerostomia is the most common cause. Over 1800 medicines have dry mouth as a side effect.
  • Salivary gland diseases: Sjögren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, HIV, hepatitis C, and others.
  • Iatrogenic causes: Drug-induced, radiation, and smoking can cause this condition.
  • Psychological factors: stress or anxiety can sometimes result in dry mouth.
  • Dehydration: insufficient water intake leads to dry mouth.
  • Age: older individuals are often more susceptible to dry mouth.
  • Other medical conditions: Diabetes and renal failure.
  • Salivary gland developmental anomalies.

Sjögren's Syndrome

  • A chronic autoimmune disease.
  • It affects lacrimal and salivary glands.
  • Results in dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and dry mouth (xerostomia).
  • The aetiology is unknown but likely involves environmental factors and genetic susceptibility.
  • Women in middle age are more commonly diagnosed with it.

Assessment of Patients with Dry Mouth

  • Comprehensive medical history.
  • Thorough oral examination.
  • Relevant investigations.
  • Challacombe Dry Mouth Scale (CDM): Measures the objective severity of dry mouth (from 1 to 10).
  • Unstimulated whole saliva flow rate: Measures saliva production after a 10-minute resting period and is measured by graduated syringe.
  • Stimulated Parotid saliva flow rate: Measures flow rate after a stimulant like citric acid is placed on the tongue which is measured in a graduated syringe over 10 minutes.
  • Lacrimal flow rate (Schirmer test): Measures tear production by placing a strip of filter paper inside the lower eyelid.
  • Ocular staining test (Lissamine green dye): Detects corneal damage by using dye. It can potentially indicate drying or severe desiccation of the eye surfaces.
  • Tear Break Up Time (TBUT): Measures the time it takes for tears to dry and is measured with a slit lamp.
  • Blood work (ENA, ANA, rheumatoid factor, etc.): To rule out autoimmune diseases

Treatment for Dry Mouth and Sjögren's Syndrome

  • Relieve symptoms: Introduce artificial saliva replacements using sprays, gels, mouthwashes, lozenges.
  • Stimulate saliva production: Prescribe sugar-free chewing gum, mints, tablets, or pilocarpine.
  • Avoid irritants: Reduce processed carb and acidic intakes.
  • Dental hygiene and monitoring: Regularly see dentist/hygienist for prevention of dental disease and monitoring.

Diagnostic Criteria for Sjögren's Syndrome

  • Table 3 (American-European Consensus Criteria): Includes both subjective and objective criteria for diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome (includes ocular and oral symptoms, signs, histology, and autoantibodies).

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