You keep getting painful sores in your mouth. They linger for weeks and won't settle. Your doctor mentioned your immune system might be involved.
Several autoimmune conditions can affect the mouth. They happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues — including the soft lining of your cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat.
What Is an Autoimmune Condition?
Normally, your immune system protects you from infections and illness. It identifies foreign invaders and neutralises them. With an autoimmune condition, this system misfires. It starts attacking healthy cells by mistake.
When this happens in the mouth, it often shows up as persistent ulcers, sores, or inflammation that don't heal the way a normal mouth sore would.
What Are the Common Signs?
Autoimmune mouth sores are often different from the occasional ulcers most people get. They tend to be more severe, last longer, and come back repeatedly. You might also notice other symptoms alongside the mouth sores — like skin lesions, dry eyes, or general fatigue.
Pain can be significant, making it hard to eat, drink, or speak comfortably. The sores may appear on the gums, inner cheeks, tongue, or soft palate.
Which Conditions Affect the Mouth?
Several autoimmune diseases specifically target oral tissues. Lupus can cause mouth ulcers and facial skin rashes. Behçet's disease often starts with painful mouth ulcers. Pemphigus vulgaris creates fragile blisters that rupture easily. Lichen planus may appear as white lacy patches or open sores.
If you've noticed recurring mouth sores alongside other unusual symptoms, mention it to your doctor or dentist. They can refer you for further testing.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves a biopsy — a small sample of the sore tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination. Blood tests can also help identify specific autoimmune markers. Your dentist may spot the signs first during a routine check-up.
If your dentist notices something unusual about your mouth sores, they may refer you to a specialist — usually a rheumatologist or oral medicine expert.
What Treatment Is Available?
Treatment focuses on suppressing the overactive immune response. This might include topical steroids, oral medications, or immune-suppressing drugs. The goal is to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and help sores heal.
Good oral hygiene is important too. Your dentist may recommend gentle products to avoid aggravating sensitive tissues.
Don't Ignore Recurring Sores
If you have mouth sores that keep coming back or won't heal after two weeks, get them checked. Early diagnosis makes a real difference to how well the condition is managed.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice