What are the symptoms of Sjogren syndrome?

• A. Xerostomia with ropy saliva and dry oral mucosa
• B. Excessive salivation
• C. Hyperpigmented tongue
• D. Bleeding gums from gum disease

Answer: (A)

Sjögren syndrome damages the glands that produce moisture, especially the salivary glands, so the mouth becomes very dry (xerostomia). With reduced saliva, the saliva that remains can feel thick and rope-like, and the oral mucosa stays dry. This combination—dry mouth with ropy, thick saliva and dry mucosa—is a classic dental clue to Sjögren.

Excessive salivation would be the opposite of this pattern, so it doesn’t fit. A hyperpigmented tongue isn’t a typical feature of Sjögren, since the condition mainly affects moisture-producing glands rather than causing tongue color changes. Bleeding gums from gum disease isn’t a defining symptom either; while dryness can worsen oral health, Sjögren’s hallmark is gland destruction leading to dryness, not a primary gum disease sign.

So, the symptom that best matches Sjögren is dry mouth with ropy saliva and dry oral mucosa.