The immune system includes the natural mechanisms the human body uses to fight infections, but certain health conditions can inhibit it and leave a person more vulnerable to developing oral health issues like gum disease. Thankfully, regular dental checkups can help people with these conditions keep their smiles happy and healthy, and dental insurance can significantly reduce the cost of treatment. Here’s a quick look at how autoimmune disorders can affect your oral health and how your dentist can help.
How Can Autoimmune Disease Affect My Oral Health?
A few autoimmune disorders that can make it harder to keep your mouth healthy include:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: This condition can cause serious inflammation of the kidneys, nervous system, skin, and gum tissue. It can also lead to oral discoid lesions.
- Sjögren Syndrome: This condition affects the entire body, and it can inhibit the mouth’s ability to produce saliva. This can prevent the mouth from cleaning itself properly and lead to oral infections like gum disease and cavities.
- Pemphigus: This can lead to oral blisters that may make eating difficult.
- Behcet disease: This causes inflammation of blood vessels and may lead to painful oral sores.
- Crohn’s disease: This condition affects the digestive system and can lead to oral sores that are small, round, shallow, and painful.
- Oral lichen planus: This condition shows itself through lacy white patches in the mouth that may be accompanied by painful sores.
How Can My Dentist Help?
During your regular checkups and cleanings, your dentist will thoroughly inspect your teeth and soft oral tissues for signs of trouble and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to address any problems detected. This may include procedures like gum disease therapy, dental fillings, root canals, or other methods designed to manage your symptoms and maintain your oral health. Dental insurance can minimize the cost of your appointment, and preventing oral health issues can save you from painful infections that require much more expensive treatments.
Don’t let autoimmune conditions lead to devastating oral health consequences like advanced gum disease. Consulting with your dentist can help you keep your smile beautiful and functional.
About the Practice
Devonshire Dental of Boston offers the finest oral healthcare in town. Led by Drs. Dean Levy, Christa Rizkallah, and Christine Melito, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and compassion. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next dental checkup, contact the practice on the web or dial (617) 350-7474.