Good oral health is crucial for those with lupus

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Good oral health is crucial for those with lupus

Dry mouth is just one of three serious oral health conditions for the estimated 10 to 20 percent of adults with lupus who have Sjogren's syndrome. Because the saliva in our mouths helps neutralise acid made by certain bacteria, when saliva is reduced, the risk of tooth decay dramatically increases. Also, decay-causing bacteria grow at a much higher rate in a dry mouth.

With proper oral care, your doctor and dentist can help ease symptoms of dry mouth by prescribing medications that stimulate saliva, such as Evoxac (cervimeline) and Salagen (pilocarpine). Your dentist or doctor may also suggest using and oral rinse, such as Chlorhexidine, saltwater mouthwash, or gums and candies containing xylitol. Sugary candies, which can cause tooth decay, should be avoided.

The second primary oral health concern for those with lupus is mouth ulcers, which may be painful. "There seems to be a greater incidence in the young and in patients with active disease" says Ernie B. Luce, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of General Dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. "Forty-six percent of children with lupus have mouth ulcers, while 18 percent of adults and children with lupus have ulcers at any given time."

While ulcers can heal on their own, several drugs are used to treat them, including hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, dapsone, and thalidomide. Using antiseptic mouthwashes and drinking plenty of fluids may also help. Experts suggest avoiding spicy, acidic, or hot foods that can aggravate ulcers.
To prevent a third common oral problem - gum disease - people with lupus must practice good oral hygiene and seek dental care. Luce acknowledges that this can be tricky when one's health is already challenged. "For many of our lupus patients, dental care is often not at the top of the priority list."

The consequence is that small dental problems can quickly become big ones. Luce, recommend choosing a dentist who will provide early and aggressive preventive care. "Maintaining healthy teeth in the presence of lupus is far easier, and almost certainly less expensive, than restoring teeth to health in the presence of lupus."

~A Mouthful of Advice
Everyone should pay attention to their teeth and gums, but people with lupus have special concerns that require extra vigilance. Good oral care is critical and should be part of your wellness strategy. Here is some advice to chew on :

See your dentist to determine if you have any existing dental problems and discuss how often you should have checkups.

Practice good oral hygiene - ask your dentist or hygienist to review your brushing and flossing techniques.

Watch for signs of periodontal disease - gums that are swollen, bleeding, red or sensitive, or painful, sensitive teeth.
 
If you have dry mouth, talk to your doctor about treatment.

Before you have major dental work, talk to your doctor. He or she may advise you to postpone the procedure if your lupus is active, because steroids and immunosuppressives you may be taking can delay healing and make it harder to fight infection.

Tell your dentist all the medications you are taking, whether your lupus is active, and whether you have concerns about blood clotting. Your dentist may ask you to adjust your medication dosage (for example, extra prednisone) for a few days before and after the procedure to help you body cope with the stress.

If you think you have an infection, seek treatment immediately - infections can be especially dangerous for people with lupus whose immune systems are compromised.

 
Disclaimer :
www.LupusMCTD.com does not recommend or endorse any products, drugs, treatments, procedures, medical or health professional in this article. We suggest you discuss this information with your doctor or specialist.