Impairment of oral health and its impact on the quality of life of patients with Sjogren's syndrome

ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the clinical profile and the oral health status and their impact on the quality of life of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). MethodsThrough a cross-sectional study, patients with SS were compared with those with dry symptoms with no conclusive diagnosis of SS (non-SS) and patients without complaints of dryness, matched for sex and age (control group). Data related to classification of SS, focus score, unstimulated whole salivary flow (UWSF), dental plaque index, periodontal screening and recording (PSR), decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), and clinical signs of candidiasis were assessed. Colony-forming units (CFU) of Candida spp were assessed and saliva biochemical analysis was also performed. The Xerostomia Inventory (XI) and Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire were applied to assess the severity of xerostomia and quality of life. ResultsThirty-three patients with primary SS, 22 with secondary SS, nine non-SS, and 23 from control group were included. Patients with primary SS, secondary SS and non-SS had lower UWSF and higher rates of plaque, PSR and DMFT than the control group. Candida spp. count was also higher in SS groups. Osmolality, buffering capacity and protein concentration in saliva were similar between groups. The scores of XI and OHIP-14 were higher in the SS and non-SS groups and showed positive correlation with PSR and DMFT and negative correlation with UWSF. ConclusionSS is associated with poor oral health, mainly related to dental and periodontal problems, which exert a negative impact on quality of life.