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. Many medications cause dry mouth as a side effect, and antibiotics encourage the growth of yeast.
These things make systemic scleroderma patients more prone to getting Candida (yeast) infections. Candida can cause oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush), and vaginal yeast infections. (Also see Scleroderma Dental Involvement, What is Scleroderma?, Types of Scleroderma, Systemic Sclerosis, and Sjogren's Syndrome)
Symptoms of Oral Thrush. Initially, you may not have noticeable oral thrush symptoms. Symptoms include: Creamy, white lesions on your tongue, inner cheeks and sometimes on the roof of your mouth, gums and tonsils; Lesions with a cottage cheese-like appearance; Pain; Slight bleeding if the lesions are rubbed or scraped; Cracking at the corners of your mouth; A cottony feeling in your mouth; Loss of taste. Mayo Clinic.
Current and promising pharmacotherapeutic options for candidiasis With the lack of novel drugs, the available assets must be leveraged to their best advantage through modifications that enhance delivery, efficacy, and solubility. PubMed, Expert Opin Pharmacother, 2021 Feb 4;1-21.
SCLERO.ORG is the world's leading nonprofit for trustworthy research, support, education and awareness for scleroderma and related illnesses. We are a 501(c)(3) U.S.-based public charitable foundation, established in 2002. Meet Our Team. Donations may also be mailed to: