Our bodies are intricately interconnected, with each part affecting the other. This is why so many medical conditions that affect certain parts of the body can also affect your oral health in particular. For instance, many autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s and Crohn’s, have been linked with oral disease. Let’s take a look at the effects different autoimmune diseases can have on your teeth and gums.
The Connection Between Autoimmune Diseases and Oral Health
According to the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association (AARDA), over 50 million people in the United States are living with at least one autoimmune disease. That’s approximately 1 in 7 Americans. In addition to the many issues that autoimmune diseases can inflict on the body, they can also have detrimental impacts on oral health.
One scientific study notes that “oral signs are frequently the first manifestation of autoimmune diseases.” And that, “For this reason, dentists play an important role in the detection of emerging autoimmune pathologies.”
Clinical oral symptoms of an autoimmune disease can include ulcers, gum disease, and fungal infections.
Autoimmune Diseases Commonly Linked with Oral Disease
The AARDA lists more than 100 known autoimmune diseases. Some of these, like lupus and Sjögren’s, are fairly well-researched and understood. Of the autoimmune diseases that have been thoroughly studied, there are several that are commonly linked with oral symptoms.
1. Lupus
Lupus is a disease that causes severe inflammation throughout the body that results in swelling as well as damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, blood, heart, and lungs. Skin lesions are a common symptom of lupus.
But although this disease can wreak havoc on the whole body, one of its initial signs is in fact mouth ulcers. Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is another common concern because the significant inflammation that lupus causes can affect the gums.
2. Sjögren Syndrome
With Sjögren’s, the body attacks its own cells, particularly many moisture-producing glands. This results in uncomfortable dry eyes and a condition called xerostomia (dry mouth). The reduction in saliva production allows bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Sufficient saliva flow is necessary to naturally wash away plaque and bacteria. Saliva also contains important compounds that fight bacteria and remineralize teeth.
Inflammation of the gingiva (gums) and a fungal infection in the mouth called Candida are both common clinical signs of Sjögren’s syndrome.
3. Crohn’s
Crohn’s disease is characterized by chronic inflammation of the bowel, which affects the lining of the digestive tract. Oral lesions commonly precede the diagnosis of this autoimmune disease. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may lead to gum disease as well.
4. Scleroderma
Scleroderma, a chronic connective tissue disease, causes skin hardness as one of its more visible signs, and can be quite painful. However, many of the other symptoms of Scleroderma can affect the mouth, such as mouth ulcers, acid reflux, chronic cough, difficulty swallowing, and dry mouth.
5. Hashimoto’s
Hashimoto’s disease targets the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism (a lack of thyroid hormone production). Oral signs of Hashimoto’s disease include inflammation of the gums, periodontitis (gum disease), and tooth decay. Some research even suggests that periodontitis could be a contributing factor in the development of Hashimoto’s.
Family Dentist in Flagstaff
At Country Club Dental Flagstaff, we care about your oral health and how it impacts the rest of your body. If you have received a diagnosis for any autoimmune disease, please share that information with us so we can create an individualized oral health regimen for you. Call us at 928-526-4314 to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/2/24). Photo by Sangharsh Lohakare on Unsplash
