dry mouth from Sjögren’s? #shorts

Dry mouth isn’t always “just dehydration.” Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune disease that can affect the glands that make saliva and tears… and this matters because saliva helps wash food away, neutralize acids, and protect enamel. When saliva drops, cavity risk goes up. Commonly cited U.S. estimates suggest about 1 to 4 million people may be living with Sjögren’s, and about 9 out of 10 diagnosed patients are women, though estimates vary depending on the study and diagnostic criteria used. If you have chronic dry mouth, dry eyes, trouble swallowing dry foods, burning mouth, bad breath that keeps coming back, or sudden cavities near the gumline/root surfaces, bring it up with both your dentist and physician. To help protect your teeth with dry mouth: plain water, fluoride toothpaste 2x/day, sugar-free/xylitol gum or mints, alcohol-free dry mouth rinses, and more frequent dental visits if your mouth is changing fast. #sjogrens #drymouth #xerostomia #cavities #autoimmunedisease