The Hidden Impact of Autoimmune Diseases on Your Teeth and Gums
When people think about autoimmune diseases, they often picture joint pain, skin rashes, digestive problems, or chronic fatigue. Few realize that the mouth is frequently one of the first places these conditions leave visible signs. In fact, dentists are often among the first healthcare professionals to notice changes that may point to an underlying autoimmune disorder. More than 24 million Americans have an autoimmune disease, and the number is growing. Autoimmune diseases develop when the immune system begins attacking the body’s healthy cells by mistake, thinking they are foreign substances. Each autoimmune disease has a unique impact on the body, but many have one particularly serious effect in common: inflammation. Inflammation, along with loss of saliva control and other immune-suppressing drugs, can have devastating consequences for your teeth and gums. Understanding these hidden connections can help patients recognize warning signs early and prevent minor dental problems fro...