Dentist and Sjorgens!

Well hello gentle readers!

Today i went to the dentist.  I was nervous because i haven't been since i was 17, and i am now 25.  I know right....

I've been afraid i might have finally came down with a *gasp* cavity.  The dentist came in and we talked a little bit about teeth.  (obviously) then he said say ahh...

He poked around for a second... and asked may i ask about your personal medical history.  I said sure what would you like to know...

"I couldn't help but notice your purse with the top team lupus walk button on it.  Do you have Lupus?" 

"Why yes i do.  I have discoid lupus".. and i waited for the oh ya uhhh huh...

"That's what i thought, i assume you are under the care of an RA doctor."

"yes."

"Has he discussed with you sjogren's Syndrome?" 

(i'm in a little shock that this dentist even had a clue, about this disease)

"briefly but we are working on the bigger issues at hand..."

"Well i can tell you you have this disease, i say this because since you already have a diagnosis of Lupus, and you have a severely cracked tongue...along with a few other things  typically seen in sjorgens syndrome, but i will get more involved with your treatment for this at your next appointment."
"my father has lupus... its a cause close to my heart."

(I'm still in just utter disbelief.)

I then finally find the words to ask how his father is doing, and send him my get well wishes.  I was in disbelief that I've now found not one BUT THREE doctors in my area who are sensitive to a lupus patients needs... I knew right then, that this was the dentist for me.

We then discussed some of the medications i was on, which can apparently be pretty rough on the teeth, and mouth. 

I was diagnosed with a tiny tiny cavity... i was so sad.... he told me since i struggle with dry mouth (sjorgens syndrome) i'm not producing enough salivia to help keep my teeth healthy. 

I did get a pat on the shoulder however for the condition of my teeth! He said my gums were perfectly healthy, and i only had a slight tarter build up that can be easily cleaned the next time we come in.  the cavity is not so bad, he can reverse it with a special cream.  we caught it just in time!

Now you may be wondering what is Sjogren's Syndrome!!

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is a disorder of your immune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth.
Sjogren's syndrome often accompanies other immune-system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren's syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased production of tears and saliva.
Although you can develop Sjogren's syndrome at any age, most people are older than 40 at the time of diagnosis. The condition is much more common in women. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, which often subside with time.