Lupus and the Mouth

People with lupus have many different symptoms, but people with lupus frequently have problems with their oral health. Oral health includes the health of your teeth, gums, and other parts of your face that allow you to smile, speak, and chew — including your mouth. Symptoms of active lupus can show up in the mouth, and growing evidence points to inflammation in the mouth as a potential trigger of lupus activity and flares. 

Daily oral care along with regular visits to the dentist can help keep your mouth healthy and manage oral health problems, like dry mouth, tooth decay (cavities), candidiasis (thrush), or periodontitis (gum disease).

Dry mouth

If you take medicines for lupus, they can cause side effects — including dry mouth. But people with lupus can also have dry mouth because of a condition called secondary Sjogren's syndrome, which causes inflammation in the salivary glands and stops the mouth from making enough saliva (spit).

Dry mouth symptoms can be uncomfortable, like:

• A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
• A burning feeling in the mouth
• A dry feeling in the throat
• Cracked or peeling skin on the lips

You can help relieve your dry mouth symptoms by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, smoking or using other kinds of tobacco, and vaping. You can also try over-the-counter products (like oral rinses or lozenges) or ask your doctor if a prescription medicine can help. But make sure to see a dentist for treatment because dry mouth can also lead to more serious problems, like tooth decay (damage to your teeth) and ulcers (open sores) inside your mouth.

Gum disease

Inflammation from lupus can cause gum disease, also called periodontitis. If you have gum disease, you may experience:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding in the gums, especially when you brush or floss
• Loose or sensitive teeth
• Pain while chewing
• Bad breath that happens a lot

Proper brushing and flossing habits can help prevent gum disease — or stop it from getting worse. Using a a soft-bristled toothbrush or rinsing your mouth with water after eating (if brushing is not possible) are helpful tips. A dentist can check to see if you have gum disease. And if you do have it, they can recommend a treatment plan to help you take care of your gum and oral health. 

How to take care of your oral health

Recent research has pointed to a link between oral health problems and conditions that affect the whole body, even increasing your risk of lupus flares. That’s why people with lupus need to see a dentist at least every 6 months. If your dentist finds an oral health problem like gum disease, you may need to have appointments more often — like every 3 months.

Your dentist can provide you with resources, set up a treatment plan, and show you how to brush and floss properly to take care of your teeth and gums. Make sure to tell your dentist about your lupus and ask if they’re familiar with caring for people with lupus. Your dentist is an important part of your care team, so they should be able and willing to work with your doctor and other care providers to coordinate your care.

Oral health care can be expensive. If you’re having trouble paying for dentist appointments, you can try:

• Visiting a community health center — you can search online to find one near you
• Asking your state or local health department about available assistance programs 
• Getting care from a dental school in your area — many of them have low-cost clinics where you can see a dental student, closely supervised by a licensed dentist