Systemic sclerosis and its oral health implications

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, generalized disorder of the connective tissue. It is characterized by immune disorders, abnormalities of morphology and functions of small blood vessels, and the presence of inflammatory process. The pathogenesis of this disorder has not yet been fully understood. The classification criteria were established by The American College of Rheumatology (ACR). A number of clinical types are distinguished due to the diversity of the clinical picture. These types are characterized by a different course, presence of organ complications and prognosis. Connective tissue disorders are interdisciplinary conditions and, therefore, the subject of interest of different medical specialties, including dentistry. The oral cavity may be the place of pathological manifestations within soft and hard tissues. Such manifestations are the results or the primary symptom of systemic diseases. The relationship between the health of the oral cavity and systemic diseases has been frequently reported in the literature. Lesions in the oral cavity in patients with SSc are discussed in detail in the present paper. Management includes the administration of drugs that prevent tissue ischemia and post-ischemic consequences as well as drugs that inhibit inflammatory-immune processes and excessive collagen production.