Oral microbial flora in Sjogren's syndrome

Objective. To study presence of microorganisms associated with caries, ging ivitis, oral opportunistic infections, and extent of hyposalivation in dent ate patients with primary and secondary Sjogren's syndrome (SS). Methods. An oral clinical examination was performed. The salivary flow was measured and a rinsing sample analyzed for presence of specific microorgani sms, The results were compared to those of healthy controls matched for sex , age, and number of teeth. Results. In patients with undetectable salivary flow at rest, mean number a nd proportion of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli showed a tendency to be increased, as well as the frequency of Candida. They also displayed an i ncreased proportion of filled surfaces. In contrast, gingivitis and the num bers of microorganisms associated with gingivitis were comparable to those found in the healthy controls. Conclusion. Patients with SS and severe hyposalivation harbor oral flora as sociated with the development of caries and frequent presence of retention sites, indicating a need for efficient preventive dental care.