Sjögren’s Syndrome - Oral Changes, Advanced Diagnosis, and Management - A Case Report

Sjögren syndrome (SS) is chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands. It is an elaborate involvement of the lacrimal and salivary glands, which eventually lead to keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia. It may occur in two forms - Primary- occurs by itself and secondary, which is associated with another autoimmune disease, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis. Oral implications of SS are hyposalivation, xerostomia, inflamed and burning oral mucosa, rampant caries, sclerosis or growth of parotid gland, frequent manifestation of erythematous candidosis, angular cheilitis, increased plaque retention, and difficulty in swallowing. SS diagnosis is not easy. In addition to the many tests most important diagnostic method is a biopsy of the salivary gland. Early diagnosis is important to prevent further complications. The aim of this paper is to emphasis on oral changes, advanced diagnosis, and management of SS.