What is the relationship between oral microbiome and dental caries in those with Sjögren's?

Sjögren’s is an autoimmune disease that affects different body parts, leading to varying patient symptoms. The most common symptoms include dry eyes and mouth due to inflammation of the salivary and lacrimal glands, as well as systemic symptoms of fatigue and pain. Previous research on people with primary Sjögren’s (pSS) linked changes in one's oral microbiome to low salivary secretion, however, few studies analyze the relationship between oral microbiome and dental caries in those with pSS.

In a study published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology, researchers in China found that the oral microbiome of people with pSS is less diverse and includes more bacteria linked to inflammation and dental caries compared to healthy individuals. The study analyzed saliva and dental plaque samples from 35 untreated pSS patients and 20 healthy controls, identifying bacteria through gene sequencing.

Results showed that pSS patients had a less diverse and more homogenous microbiome, with higher levels of bacteria such as Fusobacterium, Actinomyces, and Leptotrichia, which are associated with dental caries. Additionally, Prevotella and Veillonella were more abundant in pSS patients' saliva, indicating a potential link to pSS but not necessarily to caries formation. The findings suggest that a more varied oral microbiome corresponds to a healthier ecosystem and that the microbial ecology in pSS patients is dysregulated, leading to decreased overall diversity.

We're excited to share an upcoming event for those with Sjögren’s. The 3rd Annual Virtual Sjögren’s Summit: Gut Instincts for Sjögren’s: A Summit for Hope and Healing Beyond Symptoms is on July 20-21, 2024. Living with Sjögren’s can be challenging, but you don't have to navigate it alone. To learn more, visit www.sjogrenssummit.com.

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