Oral manifestations of the Sjögren’s syndrome. Presentation of a case

Abstract

The Sjögren’s syndrome is an auto-immune disease, characterized by the limpho-plasmocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands with epithelial destruction, provoking a dry syndrome. The objective of this case presentation was deepening in this disease knowledge, because it is the key for its opportune diagnosis. We presented a female patient, aged 54 years, with antecedents of systemic lupus erythematosus. The anamnesis, oral and general examination, histological and laboratory studies, and also the clinical suspicion, allowed arriving to the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome associated to systemic lupus erythematosus. This patient showed the following oral manifestations: xerostomia, halitosis, sensation of constant thirst, difficulties for deglutition and speaking, dry and pale lips, depapillated tongue, oral burning, intolerance to prosthesis usage, angular cheilitis and oral candidiasis. The disease management has a multidiscipline approach; the dentist plays an essential role in the disease’s diagnosis and treatment, allowing improving the life quality of these patients.