Autoimmune Diseases Triggered by Our Mouth?

written by Jimmy Kilimitzoglou, DDS of e.s.i. Healthy Dentistry for Creations Magazine

Did you know that oral infections up-regulate several systemic inflammatory reactions that, in turn, play a role in the development of systemic diseases? Multiple studies around the world have investigated  the association between oral health and autoimmune diseases. Experts have  concluded that poor oral health significantly exacerbates the incidence of autoimmune  diseases. How can modern, minimally invasive, biomimetic dentistry identify and  resolve oral infections that may be adding to the cause of many chronic conditions? 

Oral infection predisposes patients  to systemic disease. Patients with periodontal disease create immune  cells that are inflammation biased. This leads to chronic inflammation beyond  the oral cavity. As this cycle continues, there is progressive tissue breakdown  and diminished tissue repair capacity. Gum tissues are frequently challenged by  bacterial biofilms and are subjected to this  phenomenon. As periodontitis progresses,  these elevated pro inflammatory mediators and cytokines contribute to systemic disease. They produce an insulin  resistance. This is how periodontitis can  trigger and exacerbate diabetes.  

Periodontal disease affects 1 out of 4  diabetic patients. Poor blood glucose control  increases the risk of gum disease and vice versa. Serious gum disease can cause blood  glucose to rise. Diabetics who are not well controlled are more prone to poor wound  healing, higher risk of infection, problems tasting food and less salivary flow. This makes them more susceptible to cavities, and  inflamed and bleeding gums. It’s a vicious cycle and patients end up with loose teeth, mouth sores, bad breath, white patches in the  mouth and a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth.  

We have more bacteria in our mouth  than people on the planet. These bacteria  can be an environmental cause of autoimmune diseases including lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, arthritis, diabetes and pemphigus. Autoimmune disorders are diseases where the immune system turns  against itself. It becomes confused or unbalanced. There is a genetic component where there are mutations of the DNA and this phenomenon can predispose one to the disease.

However, they do require an environmental trigger. Without the trigger, the disease can stay dormant. Therefore genetic testing and microbiology can be used to diagnose and  treat patients early so that we can avoid triggering these diseases in the first place. Who knew that brushing, flossing and  seeing the dentist regularly could prevent  autoimmune diseases from occurring?  

Crohn’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis are examples of  autoimmune diseases. There is a strong link between periodontal disease and Crohn’s disease. When people have  uncontrolled periodontitis they have  inflammation that travels all over the  body. This exacerbates the GI issues in a patient with Crohn’s and they have  flare ups. Inversely, the Crohn’s disease  interferes with normal absorption of nutrients and patients don’t get calcium and vitamin D to maintain normal bone  health. This translates into continued bone loss and gum tissue degeneration  in the mouth. Nutrient deficiency makes periodontal disease worse because of collagen breakdown and biome imbalance.  

White spots on teeth, geographic tongue and periodontitis can be indicators of  underlying Crohn’s disease. 

When providing oral health care it is important to take all of these issues into consideration. Optimal nutrition is  paramount not only for the GI system but for good oral health. I cannot stress enough how vital it is to have a customized  prevention plan for your oral optimization. Keep smiling, stay healthy, and be happy!!!