Scleroderma and dentistry: every dentist is a scleroderma specialist.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune, rheumatoid factor-positive disease that may be localized or systemic, affecting the skin, lungs, kidneys, and cardiovascular system. Dental effects include xerostomia, microstomia, idiopathic resorption of tooth and bone, oral effects of medications, erosion and decay caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and poor oral hygiene due to physical and emotional effects of the disease. All dentists have the knowledge and ability to treat those suffering with scleroderma.