Actually it is not that surprising problem. Lupus is auto-imunne disease that affects the collagen tissue in the entire body, including mouth area. People with lupus suffer for dry mouth leading to increased levels of caries (holes), periodontitis and candidiasis. The gingival tissue may appear red. The lesions can appear on the skin or mucosa of the cheek, palate, or vermillion border of the lips. That can be treated if necessary and discussed with the doctor.
If you do not produce enough or any saliva, you have to use substitute saliva instead. And that depends on the level of problem. There are also some drugs which stimulate the salivary gland.
All this is very important because people with lupus can easily get infection of mouth. Candidiasis, fungal mouth infection is one of the most common problems, especially people with Sjogren's syndrome.
It is also important to use some vitamin/mineral supplements such as:
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| Time to check up :-) |
What you can do about dry mouth? If your salivary gland still produce some saliva, you can stimulate for example by chewing gum or hard candy. I have personal problem getting cramps while using chewing gum, so I am not allowed to use it, as told by my dentist, however hard candy could lead to produce more caries (holes). I am using those non sugar versions. Dry mouth is not very comfortable thing. I am trying to sip a water time to time. You can get some gels from the doctor if needed.
If you do not produce enough or any saliva, you have to use substitute saliva instead. And that depends on the level of problem. There are also some drugs which stimulate the salivary gland.
All this is very important because people with lupus can easily get infection of mouth. Candidiasis, fungal mouth infection is one of the most common problems, especially people with Sjogren's syndrome.
It is also important to use some vitamin/mineral supplements such as:
- Calcium along with Vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis as well.
- Folid acid, one of the B vitamines, deficiency increases risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Vitamin E (Selenium) is a powerful antioxidant.
- Zinc is important needed to balance the body and helps to fight with cold.
- Magnesium is a mineral which balance calcium in tissue.
- Biotin is important for healthy skin, hairs, teeth.
- Iron - people with autoimunne disease are typically low in ferritin, which is kind of iron storage.
- If you prone to herpes, as I do, don't take B6 (Pyridoxine)! It is normally used as a energy for the muscles!!
Have a nice day!!
Nice article, just one thing - Candidiasis has to be treated with antimycotics - antibiotics are for bacterial infection. They can even be initiator of Candidiasis, because when they reduce amount of bacteria in mouth, there is more space for Candida. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you!! I will correct it when back on my laptop :-).
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