Saliva and Its Importance in Sjögren’s Syndrome

Saliva is the glandular secretion that bathes the soft and mineralized tissues of the oral cavity. It consists of secretions of three major salivary glands: parotid, submandibular, and sublingual, and the secretion of minor salivary glands. Whole saliva also contains non-exocrine components such as gingival crevicular fluid, microorganisms, and host cells. The presence of saliva is vital for maintaining oral health and facilitation of oral functions. The lack of saliva results in a rapid deterioration in oral health and impacts patient’s quality of life. Patients with radiation-induced xerostomia and Sjogren’s syndrome develop rapidly progressive tooth decay, oral infections including candidiasis, trauma, and ulceration of the oral mucosa, burning mouth, changes in taste, and difficulty eating, swallowing, speaking, and wearing dentures. Understanding the roles of saliva in health and disease might help better prevent or minimize the impact of dry mouth and its complications on patients. This chapter covers the physiology of salivary function, the functional components of saliva, and the clinical consequences of reduced salivary function on oral health in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome.