In a recent literature review, researchers discovered that people with lupus are more at risk of compromised oral and dental health, with an increased risk of periodontal (gum) diseases and temporo-mandibular (jaw) joint (TMJ) disorders.
Oral lesions occur in more than 40% of people with lupus, impacting their oral health-related quality of life. In some cases, non-treatment of oral ulcers carries an increased risk for development of cancer and the development of herpes zoster is also possible.
Dental carries /decay was present in 100% of people with active lupus disease and 85% of people with inactive lupus – possibly due to reduced salivary flow or dry mouth, a common development of lupus. People with lupus exhibit more tooth loss than healthy population. TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) was often found within the first years of lupus disease and less frequent later.
At the heart of our mission, we believe saving your teeth is always the best option to keep your neural, meridian and biological systems / pathways intact. Our team integrates LANAP, acupuncture, notional protocols, reflexology, homeopathy and aromatherapy to advance our outcomes along with a defined pre and post therapy to optimize your bodies response.
When people talk about lupus, they’re usually talking about systemic lupus. There are four kinds of lupus:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus
- Cutaneous lupus, a form of lupus that is limited to the skin
- Drug-induced lupus, a lupus-like disease caused by certain prescription drugs
- Neonatal lupus, a rare condition that affects infants of women who have lupus
Signs and Symptoms of Oral and
Dental Health Issues in Lupus
Up to 40% of individuals with Lupus may develop various mouth ulcers including gingivitis (red, shedding and ulcerated gums), marginal gingivitis (ulcers where food typically collects in the mouth around the teeth) and erosive mucosa lesions (painful, white ulcers). Here are the common signs and symptoms of compromised oral and dental health include:
- Gums that are red, tender, bleeding and swollen, or pulling away from teeth
- Gum infections (periodontitis)
- Evidence of cavities or tooth decay
- Painful teeth or pain when chewing
- Bad breath, swelling of the lips, inflammation of the tongue, and lesions and ulcers in the mouth and/or on the gums
Options for Tooth Replacement to
Benefit Your Oral Health
- Dentures
- Removable implant prosthesis
- Fixed implant prosthesis
- Implants ( Zirconium and Titanium )
- Bridges
- Metal Free dentistry is much better approach less interaction with immune system and is biocompatible with gums
Your dental dentition has a time line and predictable restorative path which can be described as the death spiral of the dentition. Often this will begin with a cavity which can progress in a crown ad root canal. Ultimately requiring an extraction with dental implants or dentures placed to regain proper dentition. When extractions and surgery are required consider plasms derived growth factors, ozone therapy to accelerate healing, aser biostimulation to accelerate healing and hyperbaric oxygen chambers before and after treatment.
Effects of Lupus and Associated
Medications on Oral Health
Oral health complications for people who have lupus can include: Sjogrens syndrome is an auto immune disease which affects the salivary glands leading to dry eyes and dry mouth. Often associated with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients experiencing dry mouth (xerostomia), especially for extended periods of time, are at an increased risk for cavities and gum disease (gingivitis) because saliva plays an important role in fighting these issues. Sjogrens mouth symptoms are typically treated with drugs that increase saliva production including pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac). Other treatments for managing dry mouth include artificial saliva sprays and rinses, drinking water, avoiding caffeine and chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy.
Effects on your oral health
Advanced Periodontal Disease which can be remediated with LANAP –Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, removes bacteria and diseased tissue, new attachment and bone growth to clean root surface with bone regeneration possible.
Prevention is the Key Integrative
Approach Bio Health Protocol
- High dose Phospholipid Vitamin C – 6000 mg day
- High dose Probiotics – Visiobiome high potency – 112 billion to 225 billion / 900 billion by prescription only
- Phospholipid sublingual Vit D3-K2 Spray / Entergetix Brand
- CoQ10 ubiquninone
- B Complex Vitamin, glutathione
- Consider IV nutrition involving all of the above
- Bio Health Protocol / IV Nutrition and Oral Nutrition
- Coconut oil pulling for dry mouth
- Probiora oral probiotic troches
- 2 stains L. Plantarum L137 – boosts oral immune function reducing inflammation
- S. Salivarious M18 – balances the bacterial population of the mouth
- MI Paste daily – Recalcedent binds calcium and phosphate
- Caution contains gluten and fluoride / can prevent caries
Develop Good Oral and Dental Hygiene Habits
The ways that individuals with lupus can maintain and improve their oral and dental health include:
- Brushing teeth after each meal or at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush and replace it at least every three months and immediately after viruses and infections
- Flossing at least once a day, if not after every meal
- Avoiding gimmicky tools and products that make questionable claims or are overly “hyped” on social media
- Eating a balanced diet that is also low in sugar and acids as both can erode tooth enamel and cause decay
- Avoiding soft drinks, coffee, tea and alcohol and foods that are too hard and drinks that are too hot
- Quit smoking
- Drinking plenty of water
- Keeping lips protected with petroleum jelly and lip balms with UV protection
- Avoiding sunlight especially if prone to developing lip ulcers/lesions from photosensitivity; and scheduling routine dental exams and cleanings.
