Sjӧgren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s tear and salivary glands and sometimes other organs. This can greatly affect your oral health.

Low saliva production (dry mouth) can increase the risk for cavities, tooth loss and infections in the mouth. Saliva plays a major role in maintaining a healthy mouth because it helps to:

• Wash away food and debris from teeth and gums
• Keep the surface of your teeth strong by providing calcium, fluoride and phosphate ions on the teeth’s surface

Dry mouth can also affect taste and make chewing and swallowing difficult.

Maintaining good oral health with Sjӧgren’s syndrome

If you have Sjӧgren’s syndrome, it’s especially important to see your dentist regularly. If you are enrolled in our Oral Health for Overall Health program, be sure to take advantage of the two additional visits that you’ll receive. To maintain good oral health between appointments, you should:

• Use saliva substitutes or prescription drugs that can help increase saliva production
• Sip and drink water regularly throughout the day
• Use lip balm if your lips are dry and cracked
• Use toothpaste that contains fluoride
• Gently brush your teeth, gums and tongue twice a day and after each meal
• Floss your teeth at least once a day
• Avoid sugary food and drinks
• Ask your dentist whether you need to use a fluoride mouth rinse, a fluoride gel at night or have fluoride varnish applied to your teeth to protect them from decay

Condition-specific benefits at no additional cost

To help manage the condition and improve oral health, our Oral Health for Overall Health program provides enhanced dental benefits for plan members who are diagnosed with Sjӧgren’s syndrome. These benefits are covered 100% with no out-of-pocket expenses when seeing a participating provider.

• Two additional cleanings or periodontal maintenance visits per year (total of four).
• Oral cancer screenings once every six months and fluoride treatments once every three months.

Members with health and dental plans from Florida Blue who have a diagnosis of Sjӧgren’s syndrome are enrolled automatically. Dental members who don’t have a health plan with Florida Blue can easily enroll online.

To use your Oral Health for Overall Health benefits, simply make an appointment with your dentist. To find a dentist in your plan’s network, visit our provider directory.