Dry mouth is a common condition presenting to a GP or general dental practitioner. The most common cause of a dry mouth is related to medication use, however patients with Sjögren's syndrome, a multisystem autoimmune condition, may present to their dentist rather than their GP complaining of dry mouth and dry eyes. This article explores the causes of dry mouth and how a patient can be investigated to find the cause of their dry mouth. An overview of Sjögren's syndrome, the relevant diagnostic criteria, presenting signs and symptoms, investigations and management principles are outlined.
FieldE, FearS, HighamS, IrelandR, RostronJ, WillettsR. Age and medication are significant risk factors for xerostomia in an English population, attending general dental practice. Gerodontology2001;18(1):21–24.
ShiboskiSC, ShiboskiCH, CriswellLAmerican College of Rheumatology Classsification Criteria for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Data-Driven, Expert Consensus Approach in the Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance Cohort. Arthritis Care Res2012;64;475–487.
BowmanS, FoxR.Classification criteria for Sjogren's syndrome: nothing ever stands still!Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases2013;73(1):1–2.
9.
SerorR. EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI): development of a consensus patient index for primary Sjögren's syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis2011;70:968–972
10.
SerorREULAR Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI): a user guide RMD Open2015;1:e000022. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2014-000022.
11.
PijpeJClinical and histologic evidence of salivary gland restoration supports the efficacy of rituximab treatment in Sjögren's Syndrome. Arthritis Rheum2009;60(11):3251–6.
12.
SadaP. Biologic treatment in Sjögren's Syndrome. Rheumatology2015;54(2):219–230.
13.
VitaliC. Classification criteria for Sjogren's syndrome: a revised version of the European criteria proposed by the American-European Consensus Group. Ann Rheum Dis2002; 61:554–558.
