Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) sometimes affects the mouth, teeth, jaw, and gums. It can cause the mouth to shrink, tooth loss, mouth sores, dry mouth, and jaw pain from TMJ. (Also see What is Scleroderma? and Types of Scleroderma)
Scleroderma is rare, and not everyone with scleroderma develops dental problems related to it. So it is often difficult, if not impossible, to find a dentist with any scleroderma dental experience.
It can help to seek out a good family dentist, one that also treats children, because they are used to dealing with smaller mouths (such as scleroderma can cause) and they will have the right equipment (such as small mouth rests and impression trays).
People with scleroderma and the accompanying Raynaud's should always specify "no epinephrine" ("no epi" for short) for novacaine (numbing) because epinephrine can cause or worsen attacks of Raynaud's. (Also see Raynaud's)
As dentists reopened in late spring, very few got Covid-19, survey finds. Early on in the pandemic, it was widely believed that dentists would be at high risk of contracting Covid-19. NBC Health News, 10/15/2020.
Case Report: Maxillofacial Implications of Scleroderma and Systemic Sclerosis. We present the case of a 26-year-old female patient with scleroderma who exhibited extreme maxillofacial manifestations of the disease. PubMed, J Oral Maxillofac Surg.
Dental Hygiene Practices to Maintain a Healthy Mouth. The very first step in the digestion process begins in the mouth and for someone with scleroderma, simply chewing food can be exhausting. Scleroderma News, 03/29/2018.
Dentists' Knowledge, Confidence Tied to Care for Scleroderma Patients. Dentists' awareness of protocols and complications associated with treating patients with scleroderma may help improve their oral health care. TuftsNow, Journal of Clinical Rheumatology.
Bone Resorption of the Mandible. Systemic sclerosis (SSc), commonly known as scleroderma, can cause jaw bone resorption and tooth root resorption which can cause ligament loosening. The results of this are that teeth may loosen, crack, and either fall out or need to be extracted. ISN.
Candida (Fungal Infection) and Systemic Scleroderma. Systemic sclerosis (SSc), commonly known as scleroderma, can cause dry mouth. Many scleroderma patients also have Sjogren's syndrome, which can cause dry mouth, too. ISN.
Dental Amalgam and Autoimmune Disease. Mercury in dental amalgam (a material that is commonly used to fill dental cavities) may be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). ISN.
Dental Caries (Cavities) and Scleroderma. Dental caries (cavities) are perfectly normal in healthy people and are not, in themselves, a symptom of any illness. ISN.
Dental Fears, Difficulties, and Phobias. Are you afraid of the dentist? If so, you are not alone! Here is a selection of resources to help. ISN.
Dental Implants and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Dental implants are metal screws that are surgically implanted into the bone, and then have crowns or bridges attached to them. ISN.
Dentures and Systemic Sclerosis. Dry mouth, infections, and mouth ulcers may make partial or denture wearing difficult for scleroderma patients. Schedule frequent dental cleanings. Use over the counter products for dry mouth such as gels, toothpastes, and mouthwash. Clean and soak dentures every night, and never wear them while sleeping. (Also see What is Scleroderma?, Types of Scleroderma, and Systemic Sclerosis)
Microstomia (Small Mouth) and Systemic Sclerosis. Systemic scleroderma can cause the mouth area to shrink and harden, which can impair chewing, brushing, flossing, and dental work. ISN.
Mouth Sores are also called apthous ulcers, canker sores, mouth blisters, mouth lesions, mouth ulcers, or oral ulcers. ISN.
Periodontal Disease and Systemic Sclerosis. Due to dry mouth and hygiene difficulties, scleroderma patients are at increased risk for periodontal disease. ISN.
Scleroderma Dental Involvement. Systemic sclerosis (SSc), commonly known as scleroderma, can cause numerous dental problems when it affects the face and mouth. ISN.
Sensitive teeth is the term used to describe teeth that hurt when they are exposed to things like air, hot or cold food, or brushing and flossing. ISN.
Sjögren's Syndrome. About twenty percent of patients with systemic scleroderma also have Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome. Hallmark symptoms of Sjögren's include dry eyes and dry mouth, however in some cases Sjögren's can also affect the skin, lungs, heart, kidneys, muscles, and central nervous system. ISN.
Taste and Smell Impairments. Taste and smell disorders can be caused by many things. Surprisingly, losing a sense of smell is a strong indication of poor health, so it warrants a trip to the doctor to identify the underlying cause. ISN.
TMJ and Systemic Sclerosis. TMJ problems are common in otherwise healthy people. A very rare cause of TMJ is systemic sclerosis (SSc), commonly known as scleroderma. ISN.
Tongue and Oral Cancers in Systemic Sclerosis. Mouth sores or lumps that don't naturally resolve in two weeks should be examined by a doctor. ISN.
Trigeminal neuralgia is the term used to describe sudden, brief, shocking or stabbing pain in the face. ISN.
Xerostomia and Systemic Sclerosis and Sjogren's Syndrome. Systemic sclerosis (SSc), commonly known as scleroderma, can cause dry mouth. People with dry mouth are more likely to get periodontal disease, cavities, and dental infections. ISN.
Personal Stories About Dental/Mouth Involvement. Here are stories from people who have mouth involvement from systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma), either limited scleroderma or diffuse scleroderma. ISN.
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