Overview

Typically, immune system disorders affect specific cells that fight infections within your body. For example, immunoglobulin deficiencies, X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), and ataxia can all have an adverse affect on B cells. As you may be aware, B cells fight infections that have a bacterial origin. Ataxia can also have an adverse effect on T cells, as well as make it difficult to control muscle function.

As may be expected, each person may have different issues based on which parts of the immune system is missing or malfunctioning. This is especially important to consider if you have immunoglobulin deficiencies. Among other things, if you are missing immunoglobulin A, you may be at a higher risk of developing lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic lung infections, digestive problems, and chronic sinusitis. Immunoglobulin A is also known to be prevalent in saliva.

Unfortunately, many of the medications used to treat immune systems disorders can cause dry mouth, or other kinds of irritations. In particular, medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can make you more prone to dry mouth issues. This, in turn, will increase your chances of developing tooth decay and oral yeast infections.

Some immune system disorders can also cause oral health issues. For example, lupus can cause xerostomia (dry mouth), as well as mouth and lip sores. Individuals with lupus may also experience a burning sensation in the mouth. On the other hand, if you have scleroderma, it can cause the lips, tongue, hands, and face to become too hard. If the mouth and jaw joints are affected, it may be difficult for your dentist to treat back teeth. On the other hand, weakness in the head and neck muscles (dermatomyositis) may create a situation where you have difficulty chewing and swallowing. Unfortunately, children with this disorder may also have calcifications in the tongue and facial tissue. These can usually be seen on dental X-rays.

As you may be aware, DiGeorge's syndrome (thymic hypoplasia) can also have a significant effect on oral wellness. Aside from reducing your T-cell count, this disorder can also increase your risk of developing viral and mouth fungal infection. For example, you may be more prone to thrush and cold sores. If you have this condition, you may also have certain mouth and jaw deformities. This includes a split uvula, receding chin, and cleft palate. Some individuals may also have an abnormally small distance between the nose and upper lip.

Why Procedure is Used

Regardless of the immune disorder you have, it is very important to have good oral hygiene. When you visit your dentist, he/she can provide a number of gels and medications to help your mouth stay healthy. This includes fluoride therapy to help prevent tooth decay, as well as medications to reduce dry mouth issues.

Some immune system disorders may make it difficult for you to take care of your mouth and teeth properly. Among other things, rheumatoid arthritis can affect your jaw joints, and also lead to an increased tendency to build up plaque. In addition, if the arthritis is in your hands, it may be difficult to floss and brush. Fortunately, your dentist can recommend special brushes that will help you achieve your oral hygiene goals.

Patient Concerns to be Addressed

If you are taking steroids in order to treat immune disorders, it may make it harder for you to deal with the stress associated with dental procedures. Therefore, you may have to take more steroids before certain procedures are performed. This is especially important to consider if you tend to have negative after affects from long or complicated dental procedures.

There are also Some situations where you may need to take antibiotics before and after dental treatment. For example, if you had joint replacement, it will be important to have an antibiotic cover. As may be expected, if you are planning to have a joint replaced, it will be to your advantage to have dental procedures done first.

In general, it is very important to let your dentist know if you have any immune disorders. This will enable him/her to give you the antibiotics, as well as any other treatments that will ensure you recover properly from dental procedures. It will also make it easier for your dentist to recommend treatments that will protect and preserve your oral health.

How Is Procedure Performed?

When you have immune disorders, your dentist will do everything possible to reduce infection risks. Typically, your doctor will want to see blood test results in order to gauge blood counts. Aside from your immune system, some of these illnesses can also affect platelet counts. This, in turn, will increase your risk of having bleeding issues. If you have immunoglobulin disorders, your dentist will also need to know your gamma levels in order to ensure they are high enough fro you to have certain dental procedures.

In particular, if you have lupus, your dentist will need to make sure that your platelet counts are high enough to undergo certain procedures. Since lupus can also cause heart valve disorders, you may need to take antibiotics in order to reduce chance of infection. As may be expected, you will need to let your dentist know about any allergies you may have to these medications.

Some disorders may make it necessary to shorten visits, as well as stretch procedures over more than one visit. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, your dentist may want you to have shorter appointments. On the other hand, complications associated with scleroderma may make it very difficult to prepare crowns, as well as make or repair dentures. This condition can also make your lower jaw bone more prone to breakage. Therefore, your dentist will need to take extra precautions if you need to have a tooth extracted.

If you have an immune system deficiency, it is very important to have mouth infections treated promptly. Unfortunately, if your immune system is already compromised, it will be even harder to contain the infection. Therefore, the sooner you see your dentist, the better chance you will have of ensuring that you will get rid of the infection.

Post-Operative Concerns

Interestingly enough, certain medications can suppress immune system response. For example, if you have lupus, the medications you take may cause this issue to develop. Therefore, it is very important to have blood work done before you see your dentist. This will make it easier for your dentist to ensure that problems do not develop after you have certain dental procedures.

Perils of Disease

Unfortunately, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, aspirin and many other pain killers can increase the chance of developing bleeding issues. Certain medications may also have adverse effects on your mouth and immune system. These medications include Hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, steroids, Etanercept, and Cuprimine.