Effect of sialagogue on bleeding on probing in Sjögren's syndrome.

ABSTRACT

Background: Bleeding on probing (BOP) is a frequent observation in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and a sialagogue is routinely prescribed for these patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sialagogue (muscarinic cholinergic agonists) on BOP in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Materials and Methods: This observational study included 57 subjects. Study population was divided into two groups Subjects on sialagogue (n = 32) and subjects not on sialagogue due to their side-effects (non-sialagogue, n = 25). The number of sites with BOP was recorded on all teeth. Results: The subjects on sialagogue had a significantly lower mean (standard error) number of sites with BOP 22.97 (2.65) as compared with the non-sialagogue group 46.59 (6.20), P < 0.001. After adjusting for the use of remineralizing rinse the subjects on sialagogue had a significantly lower number of sites with BOP (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In this observational study treatment with sialagogue may prevent BOP in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.