Scleroderma is a disease that causes hardening of the skin, especially on the hands and face. In people with scleroderma, the lips and tongue can become rigid and the mouth narrows. The folds of skin around the mouth disappear, giving the face a masklike appearance. If tissues around the temporomandibular joint are affected, jaw movement is reduced. If the face is severely tightened, the resulting pressure can damage the lower jaw.
If you have scleroderma, the narrowing of your mouth and the rigidity of your lips and tongue can make it difficult for you and your dentist to access your mouth, particularly your back teeth. As the disease gets worse, it can become more difficult for your dentist to prepare dentures, crowns and appliances. Therefore, it is important to make every effort to keep your teeth and gums healthy to avoid tooth loss.
People with scleroderma also may have oral problems because of the drugs they take. Common problems are dry mouth (xerostomia), gum overgrowth and an increased susceptibility to cavities and periodontal disease.
At the Dentist
If you have scleroderma, your dentist should be aware of the medications you are taking and the symptoms you have to ensure that proper precautions are taken to minimize bleeding, infection and other negative side effects. Because this disease affects the whole body, your dentist needs to know if any of your organs are affected because this may affect how he or she provides dental care. For example, if your scleroderma has affected your kidneys, you may not be able to process medications as well.
The oral implications of scleroderma are many and varied. If your lower jaw has been affected by scleroderma, the bone may be more likely to fracture when you have more rigorous dental treatments, such as a tooth extraction. Dental procedures may take a little longer to perform because it may be more difficult for you to open your mouth. Your dentist may encourage you to have more frequent cleanings to help prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Scleroderma (Progressive Systemic Sclerosis)
Oral Effects
Scleroderma is a disease that causes hardening of the skin, especially on the hands and face. In people with scleroderma, the lips and tongue can become rigid and the mouth narrows. The folds of skin around the mouth disappear, giving the face a masklike appearance. If tissues around the temporomandibular joint are affected, jaw movement is reduced. If the face is severely tightened, the resulting pressure can damage the lower jaw.
If you have scleroderma, the narrowing of your mouth and the rigidity of your lips and tongue can make it difficult for you and your dentist to access your mouth, particularly your back teeth. As the disease gets worse, it can become more difficult for your dentist to prepare dentures, crowns and appliances. Therefore, it is important to make every effort to keep your teeth and gums healthy to avoid tooth loss.
People with scleroderma also may have oral problems because of the drugs they take. Common problems are dry mouth (xerostomia), gum overgrowth and an increased susceptibility to cavities and periodontal disease.
At the Dentist
If you have scleroderma, your dentist should be aware of the medications you are taking and the symptoms you have to ensure that proper precautions are taken to minimize bleeding, infection and other negative side effects. Because this disease affects the whole body, your dentist needs to know if any of your organs are affected because this may affect how he or she provides dental care. For example, if your scleroderma has affected your kidneys, you may not be able to process medications as well.
The oral implications of scleroderma are many and varied. If your lower jaw has been affected by scleroderma, the bone may be more likely to fracture when you have more rigorous dental treatments, such as a tooth extraction. Dental procedures may take a little longer to perform because it may be more difficult for you to open your mouth. Your dentist may encourage you to have more frequent cleanings to help prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.