what should I ask the dentist?

[whatsup]

I'm sero-nergative but think I may have SS.  I am going for a routine appt. to the dentist shorthly and thought perhaps I should ask her about SS and my dry mouth.  Are there any tests a dentist can perform to help with diagnosis.  I have a positve shcimmers test but it's not extreme.  8 was the result I think?  I currently have another eye infection...The rheumy says I don't have SS as my bloodwork is negative and he wont perform a lip biopsy.

Cheers

[Seeker]

G'day whatup, it's a good idea to ask your dentist about your dry mouth.  When  your saliva production is low, the bacteria in your mouth grows.  This can cause sever deterioration of the tooth enamel.  Your dentist will probably perscribe a special fluoride tooth paste.  Also your dentist will probably recommend more frequent check ups. Ask your dentist about ways to keep your mouth hydrated.  Look at the posts on this subject matter, on our forum.  You will find a lot of great information.

I am a little concerned about your rheum's attitude.  SjS is a very sneaky disease.  You can have it, even though your blood tests are negative.  Many times a lip biopsy is the only way to be sure.  I think you would probably be wise to get a second opinion from a diffrent rheumy.  I hope you soon get the treatment you need. 

Seeker

[Patze]

Hi whatsup,

Ah, the dentist!  Got to love the dentist!   I sure would let the dentist know about the possibility of your having SJS, as he can check your mouth out and let you know if he thinks you may have a problem or two.  The dentist I currently use was scratching his head about a SJS diagnosis in my case as he didn't think I had it as my mouth is not that dry.  He wonders now that he's has had a good look in the old mouth, and as I've gotten cavities in the strangest of places (mainly under the gums and my gums are in fair shape - eh, go figure).  I guess even dentists don't always know a lot about it either.

I do agree with Seeker about possibly seeking a second opinion, your current rheumy, well, he doesn't seem to be up on the latest information about SJS. 

What I do disagree with Seeker is about the lip biopsy.  If you do decide to have a lip biopsy done, please be careful when choosing the doctor who will perform the biopsy (there are a lot of doctors that are not good at doing it), and also on which lab will be reading the sample.  There are several stories already posted (in the mouth section), so I won't bore you with mine here.

Hang in there and I hope that the dentist will work with you to help solve whatever problems may crop up.

Take care -

Patze