Tips for a Healthier Mouth When You Live with Lupus
Posted on 9/21/2021 by Robert Leale
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation is characteristic of the disease and can affect many parts of the body. The most noticeable sign of Lupus is a red facial rash. If you have Lupus, you already have a lot of things to consider. We want to come alongside you and offer these tips for a healthier mouth.
Tips For Patients With Lupus
If you have Lupus, you may be on medications that dry out your mouth. If you have a dry mouth, high levels of acid can accumulate in your mouth. Acid deteriorates the enamel of your teeth. Our top tip for patients with Lupus is to use fluoride rinses and drink a lot of water to counteract your dry mouth. You may want to consider brushing and flossing more often as well. If you brush and floss half an hour after each meal, you can hopefully stay ahead of tooth decay. Lastly, consider using a water flosser to remove plaque from the gum line using a flow of water.
You are at a higher risk for developing periodontal disease if you have Lupus, so you should not only keep your appointments every six months, but you may consider coming more often.
Come to Our Office For a Dental Exam
We look forward to discussing your health challenges at your next dental cleaning and exam. If you have Lupus and have oral ulcers or other dental issues, we can talk through those concerns as well. Give our office a call if you would like to schedule your next appointment. We can help you overcome challenges that come specifically with Lupus and give you more oral hygiene tips and suggestions.
Location
Northview Family Dental 1121 E. Westview Ct. Spokane, WA 99218-1319