April 18, 2013

Your Prosthodontist Knows About Lupus


Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys.  Approximately 95% of lupus patients suffer from some form of oral involvement.  The oral complications are either directly related to the disease or come about as a side effect of medical treatment.  Lupus patients may suffer from the following mouth symptoms: dry mouth, cracked lips, bleeding gums, sore jaws, gingivitis (gum disease), cracked or swollen tongue, lesions (ulcers) on any soft tissue surface including the cheeks, lichen planus and yeast infections. Denture wearers are more susceptible to soft tissue irritation and sore spots. Lupus patients should make sure their dentist has experience and knowledge of lupus and autoimmune diseases and takes a full medical history and updates the list of your medications regularly. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

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