If you suffer from an autoimmune illness, you likely already know that these conditions can wreak havoc on your healthy tissues and cells. In fact, they can cause a variety of dangerous problems throughout the body, including in your mouth. Here’s a closer look at some of the dangers autoimmune diseases like lupus, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis can pose to your oral health, and what you can do to protect yourself.
What is an Autoimmune Disease?
Affecting an estimated 23.5 million people in the United States, autoimmune diseases are conditions caused when the body attacks healthy cells. This can result in a variety of uncomfortable side effects, very commonly including inflammation. Unfortunately, they can also have a negative impact on your oral health, too.
How do Autoimmune Diseases Affect Oral Health?
Inflammation caused by an autoimmune illness can cause pain throughout the body. While it most often shows up as stiffness and swelling in the fingers and wrists, it can also affect the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull and allows you to open and close your mouth. This in turn can result in a painful TMJ disorder.
Another sneaky way autoimmune illnesses can harm your smile is through oral lesions and swelling, such as with Crohn’s disease. Patients with this condition are also at a higher risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Medications to treat autoimmune diseases can also be a common culprit when it comes to harming your smile. That’s because many cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay. You see, because there is less saliva available to wash away bad bacteria and food particles on the teeth and gums, they can proliferate and cause plenty of damage.
What Can I Do to Protect My Smile if I Have an Autoimmune Disease?
If you have an autoimmune illness, rest assured that your dentist is here to help. Often, protecting your smile despite these diseases requires some additional steps, such as a prescription mouthwash to prevent dry mouth or a bite guard to help protect the teeth against the pressure from temporomandibular joint disorders. Thus, be sure to discuss your medical history with your dentist so they can provide additional tools to help keep your smile strong and healthy despite an autoimmune disease diagnosis.
About Our Practice
At Epic Family Dentistry of Carrollton, Dr. Azmoodeh and Dr. Cao are here to help protect your teeth and gums in a way that works for your health and lifestyle. If you are suffering from an autoimmune disease, let us assist you in keeping your smile safe despite the additional challenges these conditions create. To schedule a preventive exam and cleaning, visit our website or call us today at 469-209-4032.