{"id":340,"date":"2023-07-20T14:26:38","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T14:26:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydentalbellingham.com\/blog\/?p=340"},"modified":"2026-07-03T16:06:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T23:06:33","slug":"autoimmune-disease-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydentalbellingham.com\/blog\/autoimmune-disease-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can an Autoimmune Disease Affect the Health of Your Smile?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Being told that you have an autoimmune disease can be worrisome. Obviously, the first thing you\u2019ll want to do is determine exactly what kind of effect the condition will have on your entire body. In particular, you should make sure that you\u2019re aware of how a problem with your immune system can affect your mouth. Your preventive dentist<\/a> is here to explain the link between autoimmune disease and oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Exactly is an Autoimmune Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under normal circumstances, your immune system protects your body by attacking any invading bacteria or viruses. However, if you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system may target your body\u2019s cells instead, which can lead to serious damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many types of autoimmune diseases \u2013 over 100, in fact. Some specifically target a single organ while others affect the entire body. They tend to be more common in women, but men can still develop them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So How Can an Autoimmune Disease Affect Your Oral Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many examples of autoimmune diseases that can cause oral symptoms. Here are just a few examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n