5 autoimmune diseases that are related to oral health

Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body’s immune system attacks its healthy cells. These diseases can affect the body’s overall health and also connect to the health of the mouth and teeth.

Be sure to tell your dentist about your condition and any medications you are taking. This will help them create a customized treatment plan that prioritizes your oral health.

1. multiple sclerosis (MS)

This disease is a disorder that damages the central nervous system of the body. Due to the damage this disease causes to the central nervous system, it is one of the most serious diseases among young people, which over time causes a severe decrease in motor function.

How it affects oral health:

Many MS patients have TMJ problems.

MS patients may experience numbness and tingling in their hands and arms, making it difficult to hold things like brushing or flossing.

For the comfort of patients, putting foam around the toothbrush helps the teeth to move the toothbrush more easily in the mouth, or using weighted gloves stabilizes the movements of the patient’s hands.

2. Lupus

What’s this:

Lupus causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue. In general, lupus is more common in women, and signs and symptoms include:

• Sores on the roof of the mouth
• tiredness
• Red and itchy skin
• joint’s pain

How this disease affects oral health:

The salivary glands are often affected by lupus and cause dry mouth.

Medicines used to treat lupus can also affect your oral health:

White or red lesions in the mouth due to a fungal infection caused by the drug

Drugs that suppress the immune system increase the risk of oral cancer.

3. Celiac disease

This disease is a disease of the small intestine caused by contact with gluten. Approximately 2 million Americans have celiac disease.

How it affects oral health:

Children with celiac disease face more problems with their tooth enamel.

Teeth usually become yellow, discolored, or even translucent.

Also, the following other problems can be seen in adults:

• Recurrent mouth ulcers
• dry mouth
• Red tongue, smooth and shiny

4. Psoriasis

This disease is based on inflammation. Although it mainly affects the skin, it can also appear on other parts of the body and affect your overall health.

How to affect oral health:

Psoriasis can cause the formation of dry and flaky crusts on the teeth, which makes it more difficult to clean the mouth.

Oral psoriasis is a special form of psoriasis that is very rare and difficult to diagnose.

It is mostly found inside the cheeks as inflammatory red crusts with yellow or white edges. However, it may also appear in other forms:

Scaling of the gums

Pain or burning when eating food, especially spicy food

The appearance of pests in the mouth

5. Type 1 diabetes

This disease is caused by pancreatic laziness, where the pancreas produces less or no insulin. Insulin causes blood sugar to enter the cells and provide energy for the body.

How it affects oral health:

Controlling blood sugar levels is key to controlling type 1 diabetes. Also, proper control of blood sugar levels helps to maintain oral health with type 1 diabetes.

Increased blood sugar levels, greater risk for:

• Tooth Decay
• Advanced and premature gum disease
• dry mouth

If you have any of the above, consider asking your dentist if you should consider additional dental treatments. Your dentist in Ottawa may recommend several dental cleanings per year or add fluoride treatments.