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.

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