Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that can cause redness, itchiness and discomfort. It is a long-term skin disease with no cure; it causes rashes with itchy and scaly patches, especially on the knees, elbows and scalp. It can be painful, disturb sleep patterns and make it hard to concentrate. Due to this disease, skin may dry and crack, which can bleed; small scaling spots can be seen in children. Rashes may vary in color, shades of purple with gray scale on black and brown skin, pink or red with silver scale on white skin. If we talk about the link between psoriasis and oral health, research has found that the exact connection is complex, but it seems to be related to chronic inflammation. 

Does Psoriasis Affect Your Teeth?

Psoriasis can affect your scalp, knees, and elbows, and it can spread anywhere in your body, even in the mouth, and its patches can appear on the lips, tongue, or other surfaces of the mouth. However, it cannot harm your teeth directly, but it can cause other dental problems such as tooth loss or tooth decay. Although the exact mechanism is not clear, some oral problems possibly due to inflammation are:

Gum Disease

If you are facing a psoriasis problem, then it is possible you have a higher risk of developing gum disease. People with psoriasis have higher chances of getting gum disease than those without psoriasis. The symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding after brushing teeth, are common in people with psoriasis. 

Tooth Loss or Decay 

People with psoriasis have more chances of tooth loss or decay as compared to people without psoriasis. Individuals with psoriasis have more acidic saliva, and acidic saliva can lead to tooth decay. 

Bad Breath 

There is no direct relationship between bad breath and psoriasis, but it is associated with a few things that can cause bad breath, such as gum disease, tooth decay, acidic saliva, and mouth sores. Apart from this, dry mouth is also a common symptom of psoriasis, which reduces saliva; the side effects of medicines used to manage psoriasis can cause bad breath. 

Conclusion 

Although there is no direct relationship between psoriasis and dental health, some symptoms show that oral health and psoriasis are connected. Chronic inflammation in the whole body can contribute to both dental problems and psoriasis. In some cases, psoriasis can appear in the mouth, causing redness, bleeding and chewing or swallowing problems. People who are struggling with psoriasis should consult a dentist if they notice symptoms that are related to oral health issues. If you are  experiencing psoriasis and at the same time noticing some dental health issues as well, you can visit Ludhiana Dental Centre. Dr. Bikramjit Singh Dhillow is a specialist and professional dentist who can provide you with the best dental treatment by examining your dental health conditions.

FAQs

Can medication used to manage psoriasis cause dental side effects?

Yes, many prescription and over-the-counter medications associated with psoriasis can cause dental health problems such as dry mouth, severe gum changes, and jawbone issues.

Is Psoriasis a transmissible disease? 

No, psoriasis is not a contagious disease; you cannot catch or pass it to or from another person by touching, sharing items, swimming, etc.