Systemic sclerosis & Raynaud's
Understanding the Burden of Orofacial Involvement and Patient Treatment Preferences in Systemic Sclerosis: Results From a Large International Survey
Authors' conclusion
Orofacial issues are common and impactful yet frequently overlooked by clinicians involved in SSc patient care and management.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc), predominantly female (95%), older than 55 years (>90%), White (87%), residing in North America (68%) or Europe (23.7%)
- Participants
- 334 individuals
- Outcome
- Orofacial manifestations and oral health care in SSc
Methodological detailsinternational online survey, 38 questions, descriptive statistics
- International online survey
- 38 questions
- Descriptive statistics
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Xerostomia
- 81%
- Facial appearance concerns
- 76%
- Restricted mouth opening
- 75%
- Dysphagia
- 71.3%
- Denture-related problems (of denture users)
- 70%
- Registered with a dentist
- 90%
- Attended dentist at least biannually
- 64%
- Brushed at least twice daily
- 71%
- Used interdental aids daily
- 49%
- Oral hygiene difficulty due to restricted mouth opening
- 76.7%
- Oral hygiene difficulty due to reduced dexterity
- 65%
- Increased dental extractions after SSc diagnosis
- 12.6%
- Worsening periodontal health after SSc diagnosis
- 16.3%
- Confident raising orofacial concerns with rheumatologists
- 69.7%
- Confident raising orofacial concerns with dentists
- 46.1%
- Felt oral health needs were neglected
- 55.7%
- Neglected need: periodontal health
- 51%
- Neglected need: enamel wear
- 35%
- Neglected need: dental caries
- 28%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Understanding the Burden of Orofacial Involvement and Patient Treatment Preferences in Systemic Sclerosis: Results From a Large International Survey. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). Published 6 July 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →