ABSTRACT
The initial evaluation of 25 patients suspected of suffering from Sjögren's syndrome (SS) disclosed that sialopenia and glandular atrophy without focal sialo-adenitis was the second most common cause, after SS itself, of patient complaints. This emphasizes the importance of conclusive diagnostic criteria to prevent overdiagnosis and to form a sound basis for management of xerostomia patients. We found that at the time of diagnostic evaluation, the dental status of our SS patients did not differ from that of the normal Finnish population. This suggests that SS patients can greatly benefit from adequate dental care, assuming that attention is paid to early diagnosis and management. Accordingly, the diagnostic and therapeutic approach needs to be multidisciplinary. We present our current programme for oral and dental care of xerostomia patients and the results of an open trial with Sulfarlem (trithioparamethoxyphenylpropene) which was found not to be the drug of choice in the treatment of dry mouth associated with SS.
