Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas. These cells produce insulin, a hormone that helps blood sugar get processed into energy. Systemic scleroderma, also called systemic sclerosis, causes connective tissue to build up too quickly, which leads to scarring. The main symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome are dry eyes and mouth. These are caused by the immune system damaging the glands that produce tears and saliva.
It may come as a surprise to many, but there is growing evidence to suggest that gum disease could be linked to autoimmune issues in some individuals. While the exact mechanisms behind this connection are still being studied, researchers believe that chronic inflammation caused by gum disease may trigger or exacerbate autoimmune conditions.
In order for gum disease to settle, you will need to brush and floss thoroughly and regularly. Once your oral hygiene is in order, you can see if you think your gum disease symptoms are improving or not. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Autoimmune Issues
If diagnosed with oral Lichen Planus, first switch to a tooth paste without sodium laurel sulfate, like pronamel or parodontax. Early gum disease is called gingivitis and it is characterized by inflammation of the gums (also known as gingiva). While studies haven’t shown a direct cause-and-effect linkbetween autoimmune disorders and oral inflammation, again, there is certainly acorrelation. “You don’t see the symptoms of autoimmune disease in these mice right away, but you begin to see it as they get older,” says Morey. Only when researchers injected an irritant into these genetically modified male mice did the levels of autoantibody rise and trigger a lupus-like disease. With the addition of the irritant, the autoantibody levels in Xist-producing males matched those in females and were higher than in normal males without Xist.
Your immune system is made up of organs and cells meant to protect your body from bacteria, parasites, viruses and cancer cells. An autoimmune disease is the result of the immune system accidentally attacking your body instead of protecting it. Idiopathic root resorption, or the loss or damage of the root of a tooth, is commonly found in patients with scleroderma. It can only be determined on dental x-rays, so regular dental visits are crucial. To find out more, learn these four steps to taking care of your oral health with an autoimmune condition. Most patients with pemphigus vulgaris develop lesions inside the mouth, and in many cases, the oral lesions are the first sign of the condition.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This can lead to a range of symptoms and health problems, depending on which tissues are affected. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
In general, the sooner you treat gum disease, the less likely you are to lose teeth. Next, they’ll clean the plaque, tartar and bacteria from your teeth roots and smooth out any rough areas. Once complete, they’ll reposition your gums and close the incision with stitches. Almost half of all adults in the United States have some form of gum disease.
Research has shown that the inflammation caused by gum disease can spread beyond the mouth and into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response throughout the body. This systemic inflammation may contribute to the development or worsening of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
They engineered female mice to display imperfect X-chromosome inactivation—in which most, but not all, the genes on the second X-chromosome were shut off. The researchers resorted to incomplete inactivation because blocking all Xist activity would keep both X-chromosomes fully functional and kill the mice. While French scientists weren’t expecting their mice to develop an autoimmune disease, they were surprised when engineered female mice showed symptoms of a lupus-like condition. As well as oral hygiene advice and dental treatments, treatments for ANUG may also include antibiotics, painkillers and different types of mouthwash. If you’ve never had gum disease and have good oral health, you may only need to visit your dentist every 1 to 2 years for a check-up. If gingivitis isn’t treated, a condition called periodontitis can develop.
Certain people may be more prone to developing autoimmune conditions due to genetics. Women get autoimmune conditions at a rate of about two to one compared to men. Some autoimmune conditions affect certain ethnic groups more than others. For instance, lupus has a significantly higher prevalence among African Americans compared with Americans of European descent. If your healthcare provider thinks that you may have an autoimmune disease, you will likely be referred to a specialist.
Preventing Gum Disease to Protect Overall Health
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between gum disease and autoimmune issues, it is clear that maintaining good oral hygiene is important for overall health. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent gum disease and reduce the risk of systemic inflammation.
If you suspect that gum disease may be contributing to your autoimmune symptoms, it is crucial to speak with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your oral health and develop a treatment plan to address any underlying issues. By taking proactive steps to protect your oral health, you may also be safeguarding your immune system and overall well-being.
