Hi BT,
Thank you for your kind words
Sjogrens is a systemic autoimmune disorder that attacks the exocrine glands, which produce tears and saliva. This can become a debilitating disorder and amongst other things, it can severely compromise a persons dental health.
Swollen parotid glands are seen frequently in patients with sjogrens due to the lack of salivary flow. It is imperative that your mum drink plenty of water throughout the day as this is her only way to moisten her mouth.
Anyone with sjogrens will have difficulty in replacing their missing teeth. It's an ongoing battle and can be quite costly. So depending on the individual, sometimes it is better to put every effort into maintaining the remaining teeth that a person does have by seeing the dentist more frequently for cleanings, check ups and minor dental restorations when issues occur. Stay hydrated throughout the day with water, make sure their personal oral hygiene is thorough and done on a daily basis. Eat nutritiously and limit sugary foods and drinks or eliminate them completely from the diet.
It is never ideal to have a lot of missing teeth because the bite can shift and teeth can drift. But these issues can be monitored with regular dental screenings and the teeth can be kept healthier when the bacteria level stays low.
Thanks again for sharing your mums story with us... wishing her well!!
Bryanna
Quote:
Originally Posted by sinut
Hi Bryanna
I am new to the forum. First of all I would like to say that I read your very helpful and sensible replies to the people's queries. Kindly help me with my query.
My mum has Sjogrens. As a result her, 11 teeth were spoiled and had to be extracted. She does get swollen parotid couple of times in a year and takes antibiotics to cure it.
I want to ask that is it a must to have an implant/denture/or any teeth replacement? If missing teeth are not replaced does it cause any other dental or health problem. She's able to chew properly and absence of some teeth (11 teeth missing) doesn't cause her any trouble.
Sincerely
BT
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