Abstract: Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) is one of the three most common autoimmune diseases in the world, which affects the exocrine glands, specifically the salivary and lacrimal glands. Primary SS (pSS) particularly affects only the exocrine glands, while secondary SS is associated with other systemic autoimmune pathologies. SS is characterized, histopathologically, by an inflammatory lymphocytic infiltrate that interferes with the normal gland function. It affects 0, 5% of the world population, being more common in women (9:1 versus men), mainly around 50 years old, after the menopause. The medical dentist role is very important in the diagnosis of pSS, as in most cases he is the one who detects the first symptoms, in particular dry mouth or xerostomia. The primary syndrome doesn’t have a painful development, being dry mouth and eye dryness the most prominent clinical characteristics. The majority of the oral evidences are consequence of salivary glands hypofunction: dental caries, periodontal disease or fungal infections. Along with hyposalivation and xerostomia communication disorders can occur like dysphagia and pharyngeal dryness leading to difficulties in speech and voice fatigue. These last ones have a negative impact in the patients quality of life although a large percentage don’t seek professional help. There is a need for awareness of the voice disorders associate with pSS referring the patients to proper professional help. The treatment of pSS is empirical, symptomatic and aimed at dealing with the complications during the early-stages of the disease consisting of limiting the xerostomia and xerophthalmia damages.Abstract: Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) is one of the three most common autoimmune diseases in the world, which affects the exocrine glands, specifically the salivary and lacrimal glands. Primary SS (pSS) particularly affects only the exocrine glands, while secondary SS is associated with other systemic autoimmune pathologies. SS is characterized, histopathologica...Show More
