Oral Hygiene
Particular attention to oral hygiene is needed when you have Sjögren's syndrome. Good oral hygiene habits include brushing, flossing and rubber tipping your teeth and more frequent than usual (e.g. once every 3 months) dental checkups for dental cleanings, tooth maintenance and for fluoride application. In between, it may be helpful to apply fluoride to your teeth at home several times a week in custom trays (ask your dentist!!), change your toothpaste to one containing a high level of fluoride (e.g. prevident) and to try and keep your mouth hydrated.
The use of Chlorhexidene mouthrinse ( 0.12%) 2 or 3 times a day can make a huge difference in reducing the number of strep mutans and lactobacillus colonies in the mouth and therefore reducing the susceptibility to dental decay. The only problem is that the teeth need more frequent cleanings because of the stain, but it is very worth it.
Because chlorhexidene mouthrinse contains alcohol, it is important that prior to starting this mouthrinse, any yeast infection, if present, has been treated to reduce any burning from using this rinse.
Also, if there is any possibility that an individual has acid reflux, which can also lower oral pH, it is important to have this investigated and treated!
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