Being told that you have an autoimmune disease can be worrisome. Obviously, the first thing you’ll want to do is determine exactly what kind of effect the condition will have on your entire body. In particular, you should make sure that you’re aware of how a problem with your immune system can affect your mouth. Your preventive dentist is here to explain the link between autoimmune disease and oral health.

What Exactly is an Autoimmune Disease?

Under normal circumstances, your immune system protects your body by attacking any invading bacteria or viruses. However, if you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system may target your body’s cells instead, which can lead to serious damage.

There are many types of autoimmune diseases – over 100, in fact. Some specifically target a single organ while others affect the entire body. They tend to be more common in women, but men can still develop them.

So How Can an Autoimmune Disease Affect Your Oral Health?

There are many examples of autoimmune diseases that can cause oral symptoms. Here are just a few examples:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (or SLE for short) can cause inflammation throughout your body and may lead to hardening of your arteries. It can cause coin-shaped lesions to form in your mouth, and it may increase your risk for gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease).
• Sjögren Syndrome: This systemic disease can hinder your body’s ability to produce saliva. Consequently, you may end up with a dry mouth, creating an oral environment where it’s easier for harmful plaque to develop.
• Pemphigus: Pemphigus is a relatively rare type of immune disease that is known to cause blistering. In many cases, the blisters will appear in your mouth and throat first. Blisters in these areas can make eating and swallowing more difficult.
• Behcet Disease: This is another rare disease that is associated with the inflammation of blood vessels. It can cause painful sores to form in your mouth; however, said sores will often go away after a certain period of time.
• Oral Lichen Planus: When it comes to autoimmune diseases that specifically target the mouth, oral lichen planus is a noteworthy example. It attacks the “skin” inside your mouth (also known as the mucous membrane), causing the formation of white patches and sores.

There are a variety of autoimmune diseases that can lead to a wide range of oral health complications. Your regular doctor can give you a detailed breakdown of the symptoms that your disease might cause, and your dentist will be more than happy to offer solutions for any problems that occur in your mouth.

About the Author

Dr. Ronald A. Moreno has been bringing excellent dental care to Bellingham patients since 1995. He is currently a member of the Mount Baker District Dental Society and the American Dental Association. He’s always happy to offer his patients advice on how to deal with concerning oral symptoms. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Moreno at Moreno & Young Dental, visit his website or call (360) 676-0642.