Sjogren’s syndrome

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Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s tear and salivary glands. Saliva plays an important role in maintaining a healthy mouth because it helps to:

  • Wash away food and debris from teeth and gums

  • Keep the surface of your teeth strong by providing calcium, fluoride and phosphate ions on the teeth’s surface

Low saliva production can cause dry mouth and lead to many problems. If it persists for months or years, you can develop difficulty chewing and swallowing, severe and progressive tooth decay and loss, and oral infections (particularly fungal). Dry mouth can also affect your sense of taste.

A recent study found that people diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome had significantly more cavities than those who did not have the condition.

Maintaining good oral health with Sjogren’s syndrome

If you have Sjӧgren’s syndrome, it’s especially important to see your dentist regularly. To maintain good oral health between appointments, you should:

  • Sip and drink water regularly throughout the day

  • Use lip balm if your lips are dry and cracked

  • Use toothpaste that contains fluoride

  • Gently brush your teeth, gums and tongue twice a day and after each meal

  • Floss your teeth at least once a day

  • Avoid sugary food and drinks

  • Use saliva substitutes or prescription drugs that can help increase saliva production

  • Ask your dentist whether you need to use a fluoride mouth rinse, a fluoride gel at night or have fluoride varnish applied to your teeth to protect them from decay

A unique program that supports better overall health—at no extra cost

If you’ve been diagnosed with Sjӧgren’s syndrome or any other eligible medical condition affected by oral health, our Dental4Health® program’s preventive dental services can help you live healthier. These valuable services are available to enrolled members at no extra cost when you visit a dentist in our network.

Program benefits include:

· Two extra cleanings or preventive visits per year (total of four)

· Oral health screenings once every six months and fluoride treatments once every three months

You’re automatically enrolled if you live with Sjӧgren’s syndrome and have health and dental plans from Asuris. If you don't have a Asuris health plan, you can still enroll by completing and submitting an enrollment form.

Enjoying better total health starts with a visit to your dentist

All you need to do is schedule an appointment with a dentist in your plan’s network. They will provide you with preventive dental care that can help you have a healthy smile and body.

To find a dentist in your network, sign in to asuris.com or the Asuris app and select Find Care.