Scleroderma in Dentistry

In this review the effects of scleroderma in the mouth of the patient is foccused. Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by hardening of the skin. This is due to extensive deposition of collagen in the tissues. There are various types of scleroderma. Scleroderma affects the internal organs such as the heart, lung and the kidney. All the oral tissues are affected. These oral problems include xerostomia, which is reduced salivary secretion due to fibrosis of the salivary gland and microstomia, a condition in which patients have a limited mouth opening are the most common problems faced by scleroderma patients. This can lead to dysgeusia, a condition in which there is a loss of taste sensation of the mouth which ultimately leads to weight loss due to reduced appetite. Intraorally, dental decay, gingivitis, poor ora l hygiene, thickening of the periodontal ligament and difficulty in retention of dentures are some of the oral problems of this auto immune disorder. These problems can significantly reduce the quality of life of the scleroderma patients. Due to the various oral manifestations of this disease, it is important for the scleroderma patients to maintain good oral hygiene. Some simple treatment measures can be adopted by dentists while treating the scleroderma patients. Since dentists may be the first people to encounter this disorder in their patients due to various oral manifestations of this multifaceted disorder, dentists need to be able to identify these patients accurately as scleroderma patients. Appropriate measures and treatment protocols should be adopted for the safe, comfortable and successful treatment of these patients.