ORAL PATTERNS IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by microvascular and macrovascular lesions and fibrotic changes and frequently affects the mouth. Objective To evaluate the oral patterns of systemic sclerosis. Methods A descriptive case series with consecutives patients from November 2015 to October 2016. Systemic features and orofacial parameters were evaluated according to disease type. Results The sample consisted of 50 individuals with SS and 43 controls. A high frequency of orofacial alterations was observed, with orofacial telangiectasia (42/50, 84%), microstomia (35/50, 70%), and oral candidosis (31/50, 62%) being the most frequent findings. Gingival bleeding index was higher in controls (21.57 ± 15.66) than in SS (7.05 ± 7.25) (P Conclusions The pattern of periodontal manifestation is unique and characterized by few gingival bleeding and severe periodontitis.