[Oral health in patients with systemic sclerosis]

The aim of this study was to conduct literature review about oral manifestations of scleroderma. Systemic sclerosis is a multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by widespread fibrosis, vascular alterations and inflammation. Systemic sclerosis mainly affects people in age from 30 to 50 years, but the onset of disease can occur in any age. The disturbance of microcirculation with the activation and proliferation of endothelium and smooth muscle cells plays an important role in pathogenesis of sclerodrma. These changes lead to sclerosis and fibrosis of various part in human body. Orofacial manifestations of scleroderma include: reduced mouth opening, widening of periodontal ligament, teleangiectasia, bone lesions. Systemic scleroderma is often accompanied by Sjogren's syndrome. Oral manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome are recurrent parotitis, angular cheilitis, xerostomia and multiple caries. Sjogren's syndrome leads to negative impact on patients health and mental status. Orofacial manifestations of systemic sclerosis are still poorly known, that is why more researches should be made to improve dental treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis.