Sit tight, my friends, as we dive into the one, not-so-much-talked-about aspect of health – Sjogren's Syndrome. Now, I hear some of your gears whirring, wondering, “Diana, what in the world is Sjogren's Syndrome?” Well, don't you worry, that's exactly why I'm here today. Sjogren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disease where your immune system, usually your body's primary defender, turns against your moisture-producing glands. Sounds dry, doesn't it? Pun entirely intended, my friends!
Your body's tear and saliva glands are most often affected resulting in dry eyes and mouth, but it doesn't just stop there. Oh no! Because if an autoimmune disease is good at anything, it's causing trouble. So, you may also experience dryness in other parts of your body, impacting your overall quality of life. As a resident of Melbourne, where we gloriously experience four seasons in one day, imagine carrying around an endless supply of moisturisers, eye drops and water bottles! It's like your home's become an aisle in the pharmacy!
Saliva, commonly underrated, plays a starring role in everyday activities. Whether it's eating that delicious gooey chocolate cake or simply speaking, a dry mouth can turn these moments into something akin to climbing Mount Everest without an oxygen mask! It's like trying to win a swimming race in a pool with no water. It doesn't quite add up, does it?
The medical term for dry mouth is 'xerostomia', just enough to dry out your tongue. It's a common symptom in Sjogren's Syndrome due to the inflammation of salivary glands. It leaves your mouth feeling like the Sahara desert at high noon. This not only impacts your enjoyment of food, but also the health of your teeth and gums.
I've had many a spousal spat with my Ethan over why we should buy that extra tube of toothpaste. But with Sjogren's and a dry mouth, you'll be making trips to the dentist more frequently than your favourite brunch spot.
Saliva is incredibly vital for maintaining oral health because it helps wash away food and plaque from teeth. It also assists in preventing infections by controlling the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the mouth. Without sufficient saliva, you're more likely to experience tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections, such as thrush.
There's more to a dry mouth than just thirst, oh yes indeed! It's a master of disguise, causing a range of symptoms like difficulty swallowing, speaking or tasting, a rough, dry tongue, or even 'sticky' saliva. At times, it feels like your tongue's signed up for a salsa dance class, and you weren't invited.
A dry mouth isn't just an uncomfortable inconvenience, it's a party pooper, affecting your overall oral health, appetite, digestion, and even your speech. Imagine sounding like a rusty door hinge at your best friend's wedding toast!
Don't worry, this isn't some medieval battle saga, but dealing with Sjogren's and its impacts on oral health can feel a bit like slaying a dragon. While it's crucial to keep your healthcare provider in the loop about your symptoms, there are also plenty of things you can do at home.
To manage dry mouth, you might want to consider sipping on water throughout the day, use mouth rinses or artificial saliva. It's also important to maintain good oral hygiene. That means yes, tough love, frequent brushing, flossing, and if your dentist recommends it, a fluoride mouth rinse!
Diet also plays a significant role. Spicy or acidic foods and caffeine constrict our salivary glands and worsen dry mouth symptoms. It's not like you're battling fiery ogres with a diet switch... uh, wait... maybe you are! With Sjogren's, every step counts, and adjusting your diet can make a significant difference.
Now, living with Sjogren's isn’t a walk in the park. But remember, even with dry mouth, you have a voice! So, call up your healthcare provider, discuss your symptoms, ask about treatments and strategies. You don't have to fight the dragon alone. So, there you have it, my brave health-journey companions, Sjogren's and its notorious sidekick, Dry Mouth. Until next time, stay strong, stay healthy and most importantly, stay hydrated!
Written by Diana Fieldstone
View all posts by: Diana Fieldstone