Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or Lupus) is a chronic inflammatory disease which, for unknown reasons, can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, nervous system, serous membranes and / or other organs in the body. Lupus mostly affects women (90%) of childbearing age.
Good oral hygiene has a positive effect on the prevention and management of the disease.
The Oklahoman (11/27, Stewart) reports that new research from Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientists Umesh Deshmukh and Harini Bagavant suggests good oral hygiene “may make a difference in preventing and managing lupus and other diseases.” Bagavant said, “Our study shows that patients who might have been exposed to gum disease-causing bacteria show higher lupus activity. Therefore, we expect that a seemingly small change, like brushing and flossing regularly, could benefit patients who are already on a host of powerful medications by allowing them to modify their treatment with fewer drugs or less powerful dosages.” The findings were published in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology.