Read This Selection: a Patient Has Sjögren Syndrome, an Autoimmune

Read this selection: A patient has Sjögren Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that affects the salivary glands, stopping production of saliva. This leads to dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and increased bacterial activity in the mouth, causing gingivitis. Which of the following statements best describes a patient with this syndrome?

A) Inflammation is not a complication
B) The parotid and sublingual glands continue to function normally
C) Dysphagia occurs
D) The submandibular glands secrete excessively
E) Digestion of starch with amylase leads to excessive growth of bacteria