Your immune system keeps your body healthy by fighting off invading microbes. However, the immune system can assault healthy cells and tissues. This inappropriate reaction to an otherwise healthy bodily component leads to the development of an autoimmune disorder. Most autoimmune disorders generate inflammation, which results in redness, heat, discomfort, and swelling as described by a genle dentist in Chula Vista, CA. There are several autoimmune disorders, and the symptoms they induce vary widely depending on the bodily area or parts involved. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders that can harm different areas of your mouth.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition of the digestive system. The infection will spread to the deeper layers of the bowel. As a result, persons with this inflammatory disorder may have stomach discomfort, diarrhea, weight loss, and other symptoms. Dentists have found that inflammation in the intestines is mirrored in digestive organs. As the digesting process begins in the mouth, patients experience oral issues such as mouth ulcers and swelling in the gums and lips.
Pemphigus Vulgaris
It is a painful autoimmune condition in which the patient develops antibodies against desmosomes found in the stratified squamous epithelium. As a result, epithelial cell adhesion is reduced, and intraepithelial blisters develop. The blisters are fragile, resulting in painful ulcers or erosions that heal slowly. Oral lesions develop in practically all individuals and may be the first location of lesions. Pemphigus commonly starts in mid to late adulthood.
Dry Mouth
Sjögren’s syndrome, the second most prevalent autoimmune illness, occurs when the body attacks the salivary glands, resulting in a reduction in saliva. Sjögren’s syndrome also causes dryness in the eyes and other body parts, but the symptoms in the mouth can be more bothersome, causing difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, and tasting.
Oral Lichen Planus
Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory disorder that affects the mucous membranes of the mouth. It occurs when the immune system targets cells found in mucous membranes. It manifests as ulcers or lacy areas in the oral tissues, causing a burning sensation. Women over the age of 50 are more prone to this autoimmune disorder.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is an abnormal disorder that occurs when the immune system generates an excessive amount of collagen, a necessary component of our skin. Aside from the skin, it attacks connective tissues and several interior organs. Such aberrant tissue development will cause the skin to become excessively tight. Thickened connective tissues make swallowing difficult, and this inflammatory condition is also linked to dry mouth.
The specific etiology of autoimmune illness is unknown, however, physicians believe it might be caused by a variety of variables such as heredity, nutrition, chemical compounds, and much more. Meanwhile, immune system disturbance is one element contributing to a variety of dental problems.
