Sjogren's syndrome is not a risk factor for periodontal disease: a systematic review

Objective. Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder causing irreversible damage to the exocrine glands. Evidence whether SS patients are at a higher risk to develop periodontal disease is conflicting. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the literature on the prevalence of periodontal disease in patients with SS.

Methods. Searches were performed in MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases on prevalence of periodontal diseases in SS. Meta-analyses were performed for gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD),clinical attachment level (CAL), DMFT and DMFS (Decayed Missing Filled Teeth, respectively, Surfaces).

Results. Out of 512 studies, 10 studies were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Meta-analyses of the data indicated that in SS patients CAL, GI, PPD and PI are comparable to controls. DMFT and DMFS values were higher in SS patients than controls.

Conclusion. No significant differences in the GI, PI, CAL, and PPD were observed in patients with SS compared to controls. These results indicate that there is no evidence of a higher risk for periodontal disease in patients with SS, while SS patients are more susceptible to caries compared to non-SS patients.