How Lupus Affects Oral Health
Lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects the
functioning of a person’s immune system, is basically your own body recognizing
a part of itself as foreign. The immune system begins defense attacks against
various cells in your organs, specifically targeting antibodies that protect
you from other infectious diseases. This condition can also affect your oral
health. Affecting more women than men, women typically develop lupus between
the ages of 20 to 45. Women of color, African American, Asian, and Hispanic,
have a higher risk of developing this disease. New cases arise each year and is
a concern around the world.
While lupus doesn’t contribute to tooth decay or
periodontal disease, oral ulcers or oral lesions can occur. The ulcers or lesions
may be acute or chronic, and some lesions may be similar in appearance. For a proper
diagnosis, a biopsy may be required. There is no single test to diagnose the
disease, so diagnosis is based on the ruling out of other immune deficiencies,
making lupus can be difficult to diagnose altogether.
Symptoms of Lupus
The signs and symptoms of lupus often mimic
other ailments, but symptoms typically include butterfly rashes on the face,
general skin rashes, inflammation of the heart, kidney trouble, arthritis,
complications with the immune system, and oral ulcers. Each case is different
for lupus patients—signs and symptoms may develop slowly, they may be mild or
severe, or they could be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus are
diagnosed after characterized episodes called flares. Symptoms may get worse
for a while and can improve overtime.
Treatment for Lupus Symptoms
Not a contagious or communicable disease,
lupus is different from cancer, but it may include similar treatments like the immunosuppressant
drugs that are used in chemotherapy. Occasionally, some have confused the
disease with HIV or AIDS, which are the result of an underactive immune system
while lupus is a result of an overactive immune system.
Treatments for lupus can vary based on
the affected organs and the severity of the condition. Steroids, antimalarial drugs, and pain medication
are often used to treat the disease. Treatment for oral lesions or oral ulcers
are palliative and may require topical steroids. Because lupus can also affect
the salivary glands, dry mouth can occur, requiring fluoride treatments. Little
changes to your lifestyle and stress management may also be necessary. If you
have lupus or suspect you suffer from lupus, tell your dental hygienist at your
next dental appointment.
Worried about the high costs of dental
care? Did you know you can save as much as 20 percent off your regular bills
with a New Hampshire Individual Discount Dental Plan
like the Wellness Dental
Plan? For more information, click here.
Copyright: convisum
/ 123RF Stock Photo
