Dentistry and Autoimmune Issues

Some people with autoimmune conditions have trouble with certain foods, materials and toxins. Those that are careful about food choices, may also need to be careful about everything else going on inside the mouth.

Here are three things to consider:

Gum Disease: This is an inflammatory response in the body that can lead to tooth, gum and bone loss. Frequent exams and cleanings at the dental office can help prevent it and skilled dentists can figure out if the recession and wear are coming from other sources such as tooth alignment, sleep disordered breathing or diet.

Materials: Before replacing a filling with unknown materials, it’s best to run a test and see what the body can tolerate. A biocompatibility test done by holistic dentists can determine which of the more than 15,000 dental materials are best.

Root Canals: A root canal is essentially a dead organ. Some people are strong and healthy, and can tolerate any immune challenge, while others are more sensitive and susceptible to systemic issues. Root canals are not for everyone. For existing root canals, there is a DNA test that checks the status of a tooth.