Good mouth care is essential for patients with scleroderma. Dry mouth and eyes [Sicca Syndrome] is a common problem in scleroderma and can cause difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Some patients also have an overlap with Sjogren’s Syndrome which also causes dryness. Drug treatments for dry mouth [xerostomia] are ineffective and cause side effects but it is worth trying artificial saliva, chewing gum, and mouthwashes. Medication that you may be taking for other conditions may also cause a dry mouth so check this with your doctor. Lack of saliva increases the liability to caries, infections and candida. Patients with scleroderma dental problems may need a referral to a specialist hospital and good mouth hygiene is essential to prevent problems occurring.
Mouth ulcers are often seen in immunosuppressed patients and are a common side- effect of many of the disease modifying drugs such as methotrexate and cyclophosphamide. The best treatments are those with a small amount of steroid such as Corlan ® pellets or Ad-cortyl in Orabase® ointment available on prescription or over the counter.
Anti-fungal therapy may be required to treat candida.
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