Management of oral health in Sjogren syndrome patients to improve oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL): Case report

Introduction: Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the exocrine glands, especially the lacrimal and salivary glands. This condition can cause many oral disorders. It is important to evaluate the patient's oral condition in order to improve the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) which is a fundamental part of general health. This case report aims to discuss oral health management to improve OHRQoL. 

Case report: A 28-year-old female Sjogren’s syndrome patient was referred from Department of Internal Medicine, complaining of dry mouth and difficulty in swallowing food and speaking since two years ago. She also complained of soreness when eating as well as drinking and dental caries. Intraoral there was a scrapped off white plaque without leaving erythematous area on 2/3 posterior dorsum of the tongue, no saliva pooling in the floor of mouth, mouth mirror sticked to buccal mucosa and tongue, and there were dental caries in almost all regions. The sialometry examination showed decreased salivary secretion. The diagnosis was Sjögren's syndrome with oral manifestations of xerostomia moderate Challacombe scale and pulpitis reversible in almost all teeth. 

Case management: The treatment provided was instructions to maintain oral hygiene by brushing the teeth and tongue, to drink a small amount of water but often, consume fruits that contain a lot of water, and rinsing with zinc-chlorine dioxide mouth rinse. Fillings were carried out on the carious teeth. 

Conclusion: Comprehensive oral health management will improve the patient's oral status, resulting in better oral health and improved the OHRQoL.