How Autoimmune Disorders Can Affect Your Crowns

Dentist Blog

If you have an autoimmune disorder such as Sjogren's, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis, you may have problems with your crowns or other dental restorations such as dental implants. Autoimmune conditions can lead to a number of oral and inflammatory responses, and if not well-managed, may necessitate the need for further dental work. Here are three ways autoimmune disorders can negatively impact your dental work. 

Gum Inflammation

Autoimmune diseases causes systemic inflammatory responses. This not only affects your internal organs such as your heart and kidneys, it can also affect your oral mucosa, including your gums. People with autoimmune conditions are at heightened risks for gum inflammation and gingivitis, which can lead to ill-fitting crowns and infections underneath the restorations.

If you notice a change in the appearance of your gums, see your dentist as soon as possible to minimize the risk of complications. Inflammatory conditions of the gums typically respond well to meticulous oral hygiene practices, special oral rinses, and in extreme cases, corticosteroids. 

Dry Mouth

Two of the hallmark symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome include dry mouth and dry eyes. This condition causes diminished salivary flow which can be so severe that you have problems eating and swallowing. Saliva helps wash away the oral bacteria that are responsible for the development of dental cavities and gingivitis. If you have a persistently dry mouth, you may develop cavities under your crowns or tissue damage related to a gum infection.

When your salivary glands fail to produce enough saliva, your risk of decayed teeth and gum disease rises. To help relieve a dry mouth, drink plenty of water throughout the day. If this fails to bring relief, your dentist can recommend a mouthwash that is specially formulated with moisturizing enzymes. These enzymes not only help restore moisture to the mouth, they also have antibacterial properties to help minimize the development of oral bacteria. 

Bleeding

People who have autoimmune disorders commonly take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs to help relieve their symptoms. These medications include ibuprofen and aspirin, and while effective in minimizing inflammation and pain, they may increase the risk for bleeding.

Aspirin use is associated with bleeding gums because it decreases platelet aggregation. When this happens, your blood becomes less sticky, making you more likely to bleed or bruise. People who experience bleeding gums may be afraid to thoroughly brush and floss their teeth for fear of initiating a bleeding episode. If good oral hygiene is not maintained and you develop a severe infection, your dentist may need to remove your crowns or veneers until the infection is resolved. 

If you have an autoimmune disorder and have dental restorations, see your dentist as soon as possible if you develop any of the above conditions. The sooner your symptoms are recognized and treated, the more likely you'll be to enjoy the aesthetic effects of your crowns.

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16 December 2015