Collagen Vascular Disease And Oral Health

Destruction of the connective tissue is a common manifestation of collagen vascular disease and connective tissue disorders. These health conditions can cause dermatological problems, mobility deficits, severe pain, and decreased range-of-motion. Collagen vascular diseases can also cause problems with your teeth and gums. Here are some ways collagen vascular disorders, which are autoimmune diseases, affect your oral health.

Mouth Ulcers

Certain collagen vascular diseases, such as lupus, can cause painful mouth ulcers. A condition known as pemphigus vulgaris is not uncommon in people suffering from collagen vascular disease and connective tissue disorders. Pemphigus vulgaris can cause oral ulcerations, or lesions, on your lower lip, tongue, soft palate, and the gums.

The mouth ulcers can range in severity from small superficial sores to severe blisters, which can damage the soft tissues inside your mouth and throat. If you develop blisters in your mouth, they may break, leaving behind a painful eroded area. In severe cases, the erosion can bleed profusely, and may inhibit your ability to eat. If you have collagen vascular disease, see your general dentist regularly so that small mouth ulcers can be treated before they progress to painful lesions. 

Xerostomia

Collagen vascular disorders can also cause xerostomia, or dry mouth. In addition to dry mouth, collagen problems can also cause dry eyes. Xerostomia can impair your ability to break down your food when you eat, and may even raise your risk for choking. It may also predispose you to gum disease and cavities.

After a comprehensive examination, your dentist will recommend a treatment plan to manage your xerostomia. Depending upon its severity, your dentist may recommend home remedies such as drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining good oral hygiene.

If your dry mouth inhibits your ability to chew, eat, or swallow, the dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva product or mouthwash to help restore oral wetness. In rare cases, prescription oral medications such as pilocarpine may be recommended.

Pilocarpine, typically used in the treatment of glaucoma, helps stimulate the nerves responsible for salivary production. While pilocarpine can enhance salivary flow and improve your ability to chew and swallow, it can cause bothersome hypersalivation, and in some cases, nausea and loss of appetite. 

If your suffer from a collagen vascular disorder, see your physician and general dentist on a regular basis. When your systemic diseases are well-managed, oral manifestations related to collagen vascular diseases are often mild. 

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