PRACTICAL TIPS TO PREVENT

DENTAL EROSION

Oral or dental problems are not uncommon among lupus patients. Many experience issues such as ulcerations, sores and plaques. While lupus does not appear to directly cause dental erosion, certain factors may bring about such a condition, in addition to other oral infections.

For lupus patients with secondary Sjogren's syndrome, reduced saliva production may lead to dryness in the mouth that could bring about cavities. Oral dryness could also result from many medications prescribed to manage lupus, thereby increasing the risk oral infection and cavities. These medications include Plaquenil and Methotrexate.

It is important for lupus patients to discuss oral concerns with their primary physician as well as their dentist.

According to a recent series of articles in the Journal of the California Dental Association, dental erosion now affects as many as one in five Americans. Dental erosion is the acidic dissolution of teeth - starting with the softening of the enamel and underlying dentin and subsequent structural tooth loss.

Here are some practical tips to prevent dental erosion, courtesy of the University of California, Berkeley (School of Public Health) Wellness Letter:

• Limit acidic beverages such as soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, citrus juices and wine. Sugary acidic drinks are a double whammy, since they also promote cavities.
• Limit acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, sour candies, raisins and vinegary items - or at least eat them with other foods, not on their own
• Rinse with water after consuming acidic foods or beverages. Rinsing with baking soda and/or a fluoride mouthwash can further help.
• Eat dairy products. Their calcium helps reduce the damaging effects of acids.
• Use a less-abrasive toothpaste. Whitening pastes are most abrasive. Those containing baking soda, which is alkaline and nonabrasive, tend to be the gentlest on teeth.
• Use a t

2011 Fall Mini-Conference:

"Meds, Diet and Movement" 

Saturday, November 5, 2011 | 11am to 4pm

Kaiser Santa Clara | Room HOS B-6

710 Lawrence Expressway | Santa Clara, CA 95051

Mizuno

Shibuya

Stellmon

Speakers: Barry Shibuya, MD, rheumatologist and president of the Northern California Rheumatology Society | Kandice Stellmon, certified nutrition consultant | Regan Mizuno, certified fitness instructor.  Featuring a panel of young adult lupus patients. 

REGISTRATION REQUIRED.  Click HERE  for details.

In partnership with

 California Assembly Member Nora  Campos, 23rd District, presented LFNC with a certificate of recognition for its efforts  in the promotion of awareness, education and advocacy as well as for the treatment and case management of lupus.  In photo, L-R: LFNC volunteers Roseanna Lavia and Marie Fischetti, LFNC executive director Rene Astudillo, Ms. Campos, LFNC outreach director Maggie Madueno.

RESEARCH NEWS: Global Research Initiative launched by Lupus Research Institute, thanks to an $8 Million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies.  Read MORE.