Bleeding on probing (BOP) is a frequent observation in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and a sialagogue is routinely prescribed for these patients.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sialagogue (muscarinic cholinergic agonists) on BOP in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
This observational study included 57 subjects. Study population was divided into two groups: Subjects on sialagogue (n = 32) and subjects not on sialagogue due to their side-effects (non-sialagogue, n = 25). The number of sites with BOP was recorded on all teeth.
The subjects on sialagogue had a significantly lower mean (standard error) number of sites with BOP 22.97 (2.65) as compared with the non-sialagogue group 46.59 (6.20), P < 0.001. After adjusting for the use of remineralizing rinse the subjects on sialagogue had a significantly lower number of sites with BOP (P < 0.001).
In this observational study treatment with sialagogue may prevent BOP in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.