Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary and lacrimal glands leading to xerostomia and kerato-conjunctigivitis sicca. It is well recognized that xerostomic patients have a higher risk of developing dental disease. Objectives: The objectives were to describe the oral health status of Chinese patients with SS, and to compare them with age and gender matched controls. Methods: 51 SS patients (26 primary and 25 secondary cases) and 29 matched controls took part in the study. Xerostomia, oral mucosal lesions, dental caries, periodontal disease (CPI) and loss of attachment (LOA), prosthetic status, stimulated whole saliva (SWS) and parotid saliva flow including quantity, pH and buffer capacity were assessed. Data were analyzed using ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis/Chi-square tests. Results: SS patients had a greater prevalence of xerostomia than controls (p<0.001). Primary SS patients had a higher mean DMFT (p<0.05), more missing teeth (p<0.05), and more prostheses than secondary cases and controls (p<0.05). SWS flow was reduced (p<0.001), pH (p<0.01) and buffer capacity (p<0.05) lower in the primary group (p<0.001). No statistically significant differences were detected in plaque index, calculus index, CPI and LOA between groups. Conclusion: The oral health of primary SS patients was significantly impaired compared with secondary cases and controls. Supported by CRCG-HKU.

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