Autoimmune disease consists of many diseases, such as lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome. There is a common thing among such diseases: the immune system. The immune system protects a person’s body from infections; it fights them off.
When it comes to these diseases, the immune system gets negatively impacted, and it can cause inflammation and damage. Any part of your body can be affected by such a response. In Tukwila, some of the residents might be suffering from such conditions, which is why they need to be extra careful. Their joints or different organs or skin can get affected.
Therefore, a person has to be extra cautious when dealing with such things. Certain precautions need to be taken by those who are experiencing such diseases. There are different dental challenges that people with autoimmune diseases face, too.
Oral infections, for instance, are something that people can face. Medications can have other side effects, too, and can make things difficult for you. To deal effectively with dental emergencies in Tukwila, you can reach out to dentists and get your problem treated on time.
How are autoimmune diseases connected with oral health?
Autoimmune diseases can result in dry mouth, which increases the chances of gum diseases. Mouth ulcers are also something that can be seen frequently, and gum inflammation can be present, too.
To give you a more detailed example, Sjogren’s syndrome usually attacks the salivary glands and thus can lead to decreased production of saliva, resulting in dry mouth. Since there is going to be a lack of saliva, the bacteria will get a way to accumulate and cause problems.
They can result in tooth decay and other oral-associated problems. Mouth ulcers are more commonly seen in patients with lupus. The chances of Periodontal diseases also increase in autoimmune diseases.
What are the oral health challenges faced by people with autoimmune diseases?
There are unique challenges that patients with autoimmune diseases can face. Even the medications that patients with autoimmune diseases make use of can result in side effects that can impact their oral health.
Dental procedures can get complicated with the use of medications during autoimmune diseases. Oral hygiene practices should, therefore, be adequately maintained to avoid any potential complications. You need to understand the challenges first to be able to cope with them.
How can you manage oral health problems with autoimmune disease?
A proactive approach needs to be taken to fight oral health problems when dealing with the disease. Let us look at various things that a person can do:
- Have an excellent oral hygiene routine that needs to be followed consistently. Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for brushing your teeth.
- You can also chew sugar-free gum or get any other substitute for saliva to manage the dryness in your mouth.
- Any food items that might be problematic need to be avoided so that tooth decay can be prevented or the chances of getting it can be reduced.
- Staying hydrated is crucial during these times, significantly when reducing the symptoms of dry mouth.
Patients also need to communicate their problems to their dentist openly and not shy away from telling whatever they are experiencing so that the dentist can come up with the solution accordingly.
They also need to inform the dentist about the medications that they are using to fight autoimmune diseases. The dental treatment plan can be significantly impacted, which is why the professional needs to know about the medication.
How can dental professionals help?
Dentists play an important role when it comes to dealing with patients without immune diseases. The dentist can manage the health issues that may come with the disease. They are going to provide the solutions to counter your needs and make sure that you are comfortable throughout the treatment.
Going for regular dental checkups can ensure that you do not have any significant dental problems. Furthermore, they can be looked into at the earliest as well.