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Blocked saliva gland a part of Sjogren's?

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Sjogren's Syndrome
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Posted 6/19/2010 1:04 PM (GMT -5)
I just recently got diagnosed with what they think is MCTD. I've been having dental issues recently and also a pain in my upper gum/cheek that my dentist said was a blocked saliva gland. Is this common in sjogren's at all? She told me to eat some lemon drops and things that would help me salivate. It didn't help. I am having more dry mouth problems now. Also, can a dentist tell if you are having sjogren's??? Thanks!!!
Posted 6/19/2010 3:44 PM (GMT -5)
Some dentists can dx Sjogren's, but it sounds like your doctor isn't that knowledgeable about it. I do think this is common with Sjogrens -- I think it's your rheumy who might be able to help you most. Or maybe an ear-nose-throat guy?

Usually the first line of defense for mouth issues is Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste. Botene products are non-alcoholic, thus less drying, and the mouthwash really helps keep the mouth 'wetter'. They aid in producing saliva.

I think lemon drops would be bad (sugar & teeth?!).
Hope you feel better soon,
Posted 6/19/2010 4:02 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the tips ! I will look for the Botene products and I will mention it to my rheymy next time and. A few months ago he asked me if I had dry eyes and I said no. I do have trouble with irritated, red and sensitive eyes, but so far no dryness. I've had more problems with a dry nose!!! lol.... I never connected it with this but now I know. I mean, if you went to the doc for a dry nose, I think you would be in the category of hypochondriac. I feel like one already with these odd symptoms!! LOL....
Posted 6/19/2010 8:16 PM (GMT -5)
Irritated, red and sensitive eyes -- bet you a nickle that means dry eyes!!!

Those really are symptoms of dry eyes. The over-the-counter remedy they usually suggest first is an eye lubricant - like GenTeal Tears or Natural II eye drops. NOT the stuff for contacts, NOT the stuff for red eyes - no medication at all, just a plain eye lubricant. It'll take care of the irritated red sensitive eyes if you use regularly - either AM & PM, or morning, noon, & night.

Cheers,
Posted 6/19/2010 10:30 PM (GMT -5)
Oh, I figured dry eyes would mean they feel dry. I'll use some of the artificial tears that my hubby uses. Thanks again Lynwood. I like your quote too!!!
Posted 9/18/2010 3:33 AM (GMT -5)
I have Sjogrens but wasn't diagnosed for about 2 years. 2 years of being told I'm imagining things, I need a psycologist etc etc. Finally, I was sent to a specialist in dentistry (Oral Pathologist) . At his office I had to lay on a table with a contraption over my head. The Doctor then carefully inserted a syringe type thing into my saliva gland that contained a dye. As this was done they were recording the "pictures" or whatever which he viewed afterwards. He saw that I did have stones in my saliva glands but he said that it didn't necessarily mean I had Sjogrens definitely/He was on the ball and promptly (within about a month) had a diagnosis and a treament. The diagnosis was Sjogrens after a kind of process of elimination. The pill he gave me, which I am in need of again now, is called Salagen (Pilocarpine). I always have dry mouth but I do try to make do without the meds a lot of the time. However, there are times I have to be on them and it's likely better to stay on them for your dental health. Note- I did also take his advice and would get grapefruits when I was having more problems such as a blocked duct and it did seem to work. Hope this helped.
Posted 9/18/2010 2:19 PM (GMT -5)
Hello everyone, I have only recently joined the forum, which I stumbled across by accident, it must have been fate.  I underwent a lip biopsy on 8th Sept.  I have since been wondering why I allowed this to be done, I have been in discomfort eversince. I still have stitches in which I thought would have desolved by now.  I am being tested for  sogrens, I have had shimmer test for dry eyes, which are very dry I am told.  The site has reassured me that I am not the only person with this syndrome. I had never heard of it until I went to my dentist 18 months ago and mentioned my sore tonge and dry mouth. It all started from that point.

Becaurse I am in pain and discomfort due to Lip Biopsy I am feeling a little low. Can anyone reassure me that things will improve, and the best way to manage this. I use the biotene toothpaste and mouthwash. Does this discomfort in my lip go eventualyy? shocked sad

Posted 9/18/2010 3:47 PM (GMT -5)
I tell ya, puzzled, I was having all those kind of symptoms and they just went away on their own. I firmly believe it was cymbalta that caused it. As soon as I got off it, had a very short course or prednisone (low dose too) and some antibiotics, I have not had any more problems in the mouth. The lids of my eyes still get red, but they don't feel all that dry. I used the lubricating drops that don't have preservatives. I still have joint pain though and going to a Rheumy next week to check that out. I am firing my old one. He did an ANA on me and tested for Sjogren's and that was it. I didn't even complain of dry mouth or eyes. He didn't test me for RA or work up the positive ANA. Sigh....... Good luck to you. I hope all this stuff goes away for you. My dentist told me that she could give me meds for the dry mouth and a lot of people also use the BIotene toothpaste and mouth wash. I heard Oasis is also good. Again, good luck to you.
Posted 11/16/2010 12:53 AM (GMT -5)
Hi all, I'm new to this forum.
I've been living with psoriatic arthritis and Sjogren's for 15 years. It sucks to put it mildly. I have 2 knee,and a hip replacement in my near future and I'm only 49. Been through almost all the biologics (chemo meds) and am in remission-but lately in a flare.

But the day to day frustrations I feel lately have to be the Sjogrens. Especially in the dry winter months, its imperative to keep lubed up. lotions, drops, gels, the works.I suffer from Constant, dry and burning mouth and eyes, just dryness in general...it's a constant struggle to stay moist. I try my best to stay on top of it-stay overall healthy-exercise, meditate (great for the immune system) and drink lots of water through out the day.

For oral care I take Salagen, use Biotene mouthwash, oral gel (especially at night) and toothpaste. The enamel on my teeth is wearing away due to the Sjogrens, so my dentist has put me on a twice daily flouride treatement (a mouthpiece coated with flouride which I keep on my teeth for minutes).

I see an opthomologist every 6 months to check my eyes which have also been damaged by the Sjogrens. He inserted tear duct plugs-which brought great relief. I use Restatsis, and Genteel drops all day.

My other experiences have been to stay away from alcohol and sugar!!!! Alcohol dehydrates the body-an occasional drink is ok-but you have to drink at least 2 glasses of water for every glass of wine or beer. The sugar will just rot your teeth sooner-stick with sugarfree gum (xylotol) it helps moisturize the mouth. I carry Trident everywherand we have enough problems, also irritates the mucosa-as do some spicy foods. It's really trial and error of what work for you. My doctor had me start a food/drink diary to track what things help or irritate the Sjogrens.

This past year I've become completely organic. Eating smaller portions throughout the day (easier to swallow). I have a great ENT specialist who has been working with me manage the Sjogrens better. The chronic dryness can cause complications like constipation (use colace) reflux, and other health problems. I also started
the "Anti inflamatory Diet" on Andrew Weil's website. I'm finding some relief with the higher levels of fish oils, fresh fruits and veggies and eliminating meats. Eating organic (no pestisides, hormones etc) has also helped me.

I hope my input helps some of you. I know reading all your comments has made me feel not so alone with this. Thank you.
Posted 11/16/2010 8:47 AM (GMT -5)
I tell ya, after I got off CYMBALTA, the drug from hell, all of my teeth and saliva gland problems went away....... I believe it was all related to the drug.
Posted 11/16/2010 11:32 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks for all the good input, artistsoul, and welcome to the forum!

Do you have any suggestions for chronic dry nose? I have painful scabs inside my nose almost year-round now. And I live in a very humid climate, so except for a few winter months I don't know why so dry.

Cheers,
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