Dental and Overall Health?

i am 34 and have very poor dental health. I am in the process of making arrangments to have all my teeth pulled and get dentures. My problem comes in when I got to reading about how your dental health effects your overall heatlh and the problems it can cause. As I was reading I came across an article about Sjogren's Syndrome. As I read I noticed that I have alot of the symtoms and have had them for a very long time. How will that effect having all my teeth removed? Will the results benefit me or cause me more health problems overall?

THE REMOVAL OF TEETH WILL NOT HAVE AN EFFECT ON SJORGENS, BUT BECAUSE OF THE XEROSTOMIA, UPPER AND LOWER DENTURE RETENTION MAY SOMETIMES PROVE DIFFICULT BECAUSE A MOIST MOUTH IS NEEDED FOR PROPER SUCTION ON THE DENTURE.

Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disorder characterized by dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eye (keratoconjuctivitis sicca) which represent the two primary clinical features of this disorder. Two distinct forms of Sjogren's syndrome are recognized known as primary and secondary Sjogren's. Primary Sjogren's syndrome is defined as dry mouth that is not associated with another underlying autoimmune disoder, whereas, secondary Sjogren's is dry eye and dry mouth associated with an underlying autoimmune connective tissue disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma.

It has been estimated that approximately 1 to 2 million Americans suffer from Sjogren's syndrome and affects women 9 times more frequently than men. Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 30 to 60 and frequently coincide with the onset of menopause. The exact cause of Sjogren's syndrome remains unknown and research is ongoing to try to elucidate the underlying physiological basis for the disorder.

Although dry mouth and dry eye are the two primary features of Sjogren's syndrome, the disorder can become systemic and affect other organ systems of the body as well. Systemic manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome may include fatigue, muscle/joint pain, dry/itchy skin, gastroesophageal reflux, peripheral neuropathy, and vaginal dryness (among others). Research has demonstrated an association between Sjogren's syndrome and the development of lymphoma.

Currently there is no know cure for Sjogren's syndrome. The objectives of treatment are to control the symptoms, prevent or limit organ involvement, and help patients improve their quality of life. Treatments for Sjogren's syndrome vary from patient to patient depending upon symptoms and which parts of the body are affected. In general, treatment is focused upon controlling the symptoms of dry mouth and dry eye using a variety of different strategies. Treatments for systemic manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome will vary depending upon which organs are involved and the severity of the symptoms.

The MediFocus Guidebook on Sjogren's Syndrome contains information that is vital to anyone who has been diagnosed with this condition.

You will learn about the causes, risk factors, common signs and symptoms, medical tests that are used to establish the diagnosis, and standard treatments. You will also learn about the latest clinical advances in the management of Sjogren's Syndrome as well as about the newest treatment options that are available.

The MediFocus Guidebook on Sjogren's Syndrome will also inform you about important new, exciting research in the area of Sjogren's Syndrome. You will also learn about the doctors, hospitals, and medical centers that are at the leading edge in conducting clinical research about Sjogren's Syndrome.

Information about clinical trials, quality of life issues, a list of questions to ask your doctor, and a useful directory of organizations and support groups that can help patients with Sjogren's Syndrome complete this valuable Guidebook.

You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. It is easily accessible right here. We invite you to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Sjogren's Syndrome so that you can decide if this comprehensive, trustworthy information may help you or someone you care about who has been diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome.
A DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS OF SJOGREN'S BY A PHYSICIAN IS NEEDED TO RULE OUT OTHER CONDITIONS.

Ask you're dentist. He will know and he will be the one to give you the right information.

Are you sure that all your teeth need to be removed? How many opinions have you had?

I would suggest to get at least 3 opinions as well as see a periodontist and oral surgeon to confirm these teeth are not saveable. Once your teeth are removed, you never get them back! and a denture is retained on the ridge your teeth used to come out of- over time this ridge "resorbs" and eventually the deture just slides around in your mouth because it has nothing to "grab" onto to stay put. Seriously, check things out for other options you may have. Extracting teeth should be the last option.