While they may not appear to be related on the surface,
lupus, a condition that results because of abnormal functioning in the immune
system, can greatly affect one’s oral health through the onset of certain symptoms,
including chronic or acute soft tissue lesions. What makes lupus so different
from other diseases is that it’s an autoimmune disease, and it causes the body
to identify parts of itself as foreign and the antibodies in the immune system to
attack different cells within the internal organs. Rather than attack
infectious agents, the antibodies begin attacking the cells’ nuclei, causing
the onset of symptoms.
Types of Lupus
Lupus has two different forms—cutaneous (skin) and systemic
(organs)—and symptoms can overlap with those of similar autoimmune diseases,
including butterfly rashes, which are skin rashes on the cheeks and nose. Areas
on the skin that see consistent sun exposure can develop rashes as well.
Additional symptoms include swollen joints, fatigue, hair loss, fever, and
inflammation of the organs, such as the kidneys and heart.
Diagnosing Lupus
This condition typically affects women more than men, with
women often developing lupus between the ages of 20 and 45 and those of
African-American, Asian, and Hispanic descent having a greater risk. With
roughly 16,000 lupus cases identified every year and around five million people
worldwide suffering from it, no one single test diagnoses the condition. A diagnosis
is often confirmed by ruling other immune conditions out and by patients displaying
various symptoms associated with lupus, including butterfly rashes, heart
inflammation, arthritis, kidney issues, immune system issues, and oral ulcers.
Changes in Oral
Health
Fortunately, lupus is not known to contribute to periodontal
disease or tooth decay, but oral lesions or oral ulcers do appear in 9-45
percent of lupus cases. These lesions or ulcers can be chronic or acute in
nature while also looking like other kinds of oral lesions. An initial
diagnosis could call for a biopsy as well as a rheumatologist to verify if
lupus caused the lesions. If the salivary glands are affected, patients could develop
dry mouth and need fluoride treatments. For oral lesions, the treatments are
palliative and usually involve topical steroids.
Available Treatments
There is, at this point, no cure for lupus, meaning that
current treatment is largely about long-term management, which can vary based
on the disease’s severity as well as which organs are affected. Treatment may include
antimalarial drugs, pain medications, and steroids, and stress management and lifestyle
changes are necessary as well. A few experimental drugs are also available,
including Rituximab, which alters one’s immune system to try and reduce the
disease’s effects. For those who suffer from lupus or suspect they do, inform your
dental professional at your next appointment.
If you are avoiding the dentist because of the high costs of dental care, considering signing up for the Wellness Dental Plan. This is a New Hampshire discount dental plan for seniors
that can save you as much as 20 percent off your dental bills. For more information, please click here.
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