At Fay Hu General Dentistry in Winter Park, FL, we are dedicated to helping patients manage the oral health effects of Sjögren's syndrome with compassionate, personalized care.
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy cells, particularly those that produce saliva and tears. This often leads to dryness in the mouth, eyes, and other areas, along with a variety of related symptoms.
Treatment depends on the severity and areas affected. For most patients, managing dryness is the primary goal. This may include:
If you are experiencing symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, our team is here to help. Contact us online or call us at 407-647-3223 to schedule your consultation.
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks moisture-producing glands, most notably the salivary and lacrimal glands. This process leads to chronic dryness of the mouth and eyes and can affect other organ systems in some patients. The condition can occur on its own (primary) or alongside other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (secondary).
Symptoms often develop gradually and can vary in intensity from person to person, making early recognition important for preserving oral and overall health. Because Sjögren's is systemic, coordinated care between dental providers, primary care doctors, and rheumatologists is often necessary to address both oral complications and broader medical concerns. Regular dental monitoring helps identify oral changes that may reflect disease activity or secondary problems like oral infections.
The hallmark oral symptom of Sjögren's syndrome is persistent dry mouth, also called xerostomia, which can cause difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing. Patients frequently experience cracked or sore lips, a burning sensation on the tongue or palate, altered taste perception, and a feeling of stickiness in the mouth. Reduced saliva flow increases the risk of dental decay, tooth erosion and oral fungal infections such as candidiasis.
Other oral signs can include increased sensitivity to spicy or acidic foods, problems with denture retention, and frequent dental caries despite routine oral hygiene. Noticing these changes early and reporting them to a dental professional can lead to timely interventions that reduce complications and preserve oral function. Routine dental exams play an important role in tracking these symptoms over time.
Saliva performs several protective functions in the mouth: it buffers acids, delivers minerals that help remineralize enamel, washes away food particles, and contains antimicrobial proteins that limit bacterial growth. When saliva production is diminished, the mouth becomes more acidic and less able to neutralize bacteria that cause cavities, increasing the risk of rapid tooth decay and enamel breakdown. Patients with chronic dry mouth may also develop deeper and more frequent cavities, especially along the gumline and root surfaces.
In addition to caries, low saliva contributes to a higher incidence of dental erosion, halitosis and oral infections, which can compromise chewing, speech and nutritional intake. Addressing saliva reduction with both behavioral and clinical strategies is essential to slowing disease-related oral deterioration. Preventive dental care tailored to low-saliva patients helps protect teeth and supporting structures over the long term.
Because Sjögren's is a systemic autoimmune condition, communication between dental and medical teams is valuable for comprehensive care planning. The dentist documents oral health changes, monitors for complications like candidiasis and rapid caries progression, and assists with symptom management while medical providers address systemic aspects of the disease. Collaborative care improves outcomes by aligning medical treatment with oral health strategies.
In the dental setting, topical fluoride applications, prescription-strength fluoride gels, and varnishes are used to strengthen enamel and reduce decay risk in low-saliva mouths. Antifungal therapies are prescribed when candidiasis develops, and clinicians may recommend customized oral hygiene protocols, humidification at night and modifications to oral appliances to reduce irritation. A tailored, regularly reviewed plan helps manage symptoms and limits oral complications over time.
Beyond chemical prevention, dental providers monitor for early signs of decay, erosion and soft tissue changes, and they manage oral infections promptly to prevent progression. They can also modify restorative materials and designs to suit a dry oral environment and adjust or reline dentures to improve comfort and fit. Ongoing preventive care is one of the most effective ways to preserve natural teeth and oral function in patients with chronic dry mouth.
Good oral hygiene practices tailored to sensitivity—such as soft-bristled toothbrushes, gentle flossing and nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste—support tissue health while minimizing irritation. Patients should also review their medications with their medical providers, since many commonly prescribed drugs can worsen dry mouth; alternative options or timing adjustments may be possible. Implementing these changes alongside regular dental care reduces symptoms and improves comfort and function.
When prosthetic work is needed, dentures and other appliances are evaluated for fit and retention, and modifications or relines may be necessary to improve comfort and function in a dry mouth. Local anesthesia and post-operative care are managed attentively to reduce irritation and the risk of infection, and clinicians coordinate with the patient's broader medical team when systemic therapies could influence healing or treatment choices. Clear communication helps ensure safe, effective, and comfortable dental care.
Coordination between dental providers and medical specialists such as rheumatologists or primary care physicians is important when systemic disease is suspected or confirmed. At Fay Hu General Dentistry in Winter Park, FL, our team evaluates oral signs of dryness, discusses symptom history and works with patients and their physicians to develop a comprehensive management plan focused on preserving oral health. Regular follow-up allows the care team to adjust strategies as symptoms change.
After assessment, you will receive a personalized treatment plan that may include professional fluoride applications, antifungal therapy if indicated, recommendations for saliva substitutes or stimulants, and a schedule for more frequent preventive visits. The plan emphasizes communication with your medical team to align dental care with systemic treatment, and the practice will monitor changes over time to adapt preventive and restorative approaches. Patients can expect a practical, evidence-based approach aimed at preserving oral health and function.
We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care to our patients.
Through excellence in dentistry and quality in relationships, we strive to positively impact your oral health, aesthetics, and self-esteem. From the front desk to the treatment room, our experienced team is here to support you with expert care and genuine compassion.
