EVALUATION OF THE REMINERALIZATION CAPACITY OF SALIVA (IMK) IN PATIENTS WITH SJÖGREN SYNDROME

Abstract

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that is associated with inflammatory changes, reduced salivary flow, and altered saliva composition. The effects of medications and injuries to the salivary ducts can contribute to the increased salivary viscosity with serious consequences for the teeth and soft tissues. The remineralization capacity of saliva is based on its ability to provide the necessary minerals, maintain a favorable pH balance, and support the natural mechanisms implied in the repair processes of the tooth structure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of salivary pathology in Sjögren’s Syndrome, and the correlations on certain cariogenic risk parameters. Materials and method: The study was conducted on 30 patients: Study group (15 patients) with primary Sjögren’s Syndrome; Control group (15 patients) – without associated general pathology. The evaluation focused on the analysis of DMFT and the following salivary parameters: resting salivary flow (RSF), stimulated salivary flow (SSF), buffering capacity (BC), saliva viscosity (SV), and the index of salivary microcrystallization (IMK). The evaluated results demonstrate that the effects of Sjögren’s syndrome on the selected indicators (DMFT, RFR, RFS, CT, SV, IMK) are significantly different compared to the control group, indicating the Sjögren syndrome’s impact on the dental and salivary status of affected patients. Conclusions: There is a correlation between dental caries, saliva, and Sjögren’s syndrome. Reduced saliva production in Sjögren’s syndrome can lead to xerostomia-associated phenomena, disturb the balance between demineralization and remineralization processes, and may contribute to an increased risk of caries.

Keywords

• saliva
• sjögren's syndrome
• remineralization
• index of salivary microcrystallization