What it is:
5 autoimmune diseases connected to oral health
Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells. While these diseases can have an effect on overall health, they can also have a connection to oral health.
Be sure to share your condition and any medications you’re taking with your dentist. This will help them build a customized treatment plan for you that prioritizes both your oral and overall health.
MS is a disease that damages the body’s central nervous system. It is one of the most debilitating diseases among young adults due to the nerve damage it causes, which can result in a significant lack of mobility over time.
How it influences oral health:
- Many MS patients have reported temporomandibular (TMJ) problems.
- MS patients may also develop numbness or tingling in their arms or hands, making it challenging to hold items like floss or a toothbrush.
- Wrapping foam around the toothbrush can help patients get a better grip for daily brushing or try weighted gloves to steady their hand movements.
What it is:
Lupus causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue in the body. Generally, lupus is more common in women and the signs and symptoms can include:
- Sores on the roof of the mouth
- Fatigue
- Skin rashes
- Joint pain
How it influences oral health:
- Salivary glands are often distressed by lupus, causing dry mouth.
- Medications used to treat lupus can also influence your oral health:
- White or red patches in the mouth because of medication-induced thrush (a fungal infection)
- Medications that suppress the immune system can increase the risk of oral cancer
What it is:
Celiac disease is a disease of the small intestine caused by exposure to gluten. Approximately 2 million Americans have celiac disease.
How it influences oral health:
- Children with celiac disease often have more problems with their tooth enamel. It’s not uncommon for teeth to become yellow, discolored or even appear translucent.
- In addition, tooth eruption might occur at a slower rate.
- Adults with celiac are more likely to experience:
- Recurring canker sores
- Dry mouth
- A red, smooth, shiny tongue
What it is:
Psoriasis is a condition driven by inflammation. While it mainly concerns the skin, it can also appear on other parts of the body and can have an effect on your overall health.
How it influences oral health:
- Psoriasis can result in dry, flaky patches around the lips, that can make brushing and flossing more difficult.
- Psoriasis inside the mouth is known as oral psoriasis — it’s very rare and can be hard to diagnose.
- It’s mostly found on the inside of the cheeks as inflamed red patches with either yellow or white edges. However, it can also appear as:
- Peeling skin on the gums
- Pain or burning while eating, especially with spicy food
- Blisters in the mouth
What it is:
Type 1 diabetes is a disease of the pancreas, where the pancreas is not making enough insulin or not making any insulin at all. Insulin is what helps allow blood sugar to enter the cells and provide the energy the body needs.
How it influences oral health:
- Managing blood sugar levels is key to managing type 1 diabetes. It’s also key in maintaining good oral health with type 1 diabetes.
- The higher the blood sugar levels, the higher the risk for:
- Cavities
- Early and advanced gum disease
- Dry mouth
If you have any of the above conditions, consider asking your dentist if additional dental care treatments should be considered. Your dentist may recommend increasing the amount of cleanings per year or fluoride treatments.
