Symptoms of oral psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic noninfectious skin disease. It is considered to be an autoimmune state, capable of affecting any area of the skin. Symptoms of psoriasis may appear not only on the scalp, elbows, knees, but also in the mouth. Patients come to the dentist's office with complaints about the formation of various stains on the tongue, the symptoms of the geographic tongue, as well as other lesions of the mucous membrane. How to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and prevent complications, will tell.

Psoriasis can cause noticeable changes in the color and appearance of the tongue and can affect the way taste is transmitted. In some cases, patients suffer from distorted taste, reduced or even completely disappeared taste.

If we look at the statistics, the geographic language desquamative glossitis is often diagnosed among patients with psoriasis. Its development is due to the problems of the immune system, the allergic nature of the occurrence is traced, which leads to the formation of smooth specific spots on the surface of the tongue. Its surface becomes similar to a geographical map, and the pattern can change daily.

According to statistics, about 10% of patients with psoriasis have the disorder, compared to 1-2% of patients without the disorder.

If we talk about the general symptoms of psoriasis in the tongue, they include:

formation of spots on the surface of the tongue with a yellow or white border;
Swelling and redness of the tongue are characteristic;
the spots on the tongue are smooth;
cracks may form, some causing no discomfort, others are related to painful sensations.

Dentists note that in some cases, the diagnosis of oral psoriasis may be difficult because the symptoms may be subtle or people may not pay attention to them.

However, for some people, the symptoms of psoriasis can be bothersome and even make it difficult to eat a full meal or drink.

A study conducted in 2016 shows that while it is difficult to determine the exact cause and mechanism of the development of geographical language, at the moment there are only theories and assumptions. It cannot be said that psoriasis is responsible for the formation of such changes, because not all patients are diagnosed with psoriasis, but still the two conditions are related. Accordingly, dentists can recommend that people undergo appropriate tests to rule out psoriasis.

Effect of psoriasis on teeth and gums

Typically, all symptoms of psoriasis are expressed on the tongue, but less often, the gums and lining of the mouth may become involved. Possible symptoms include the following:

formation of ulcers on the gums and on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity;

pustules around the lips;
the appearance of burning, pain when taking hot or spicy food;
changing and distorting the taste of food and drink.
According to dentists, most of the spots and ulcers appear on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, less often beyond the mouth.

Risk factors
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 10 to 15% of people in the United States are born with a hereditary tendency to develop psoriasis. But only 2 to 3% of these people develop symptoms and develop the disorder.

Studies have shown that a patient must have at least one appropriate gene to be activated by triggers, i.e. triggers, in order to develop an abnormality.

Predisposing factors for psoriasis include

chronic stress;

Taking certain drugs
long-term, late or incomplete treatment of infectious diseases;
various skin lesions and damages.
It is worth recalling that psoriasis is not an infectious disease, that is, it is impossible to get infected with it. Manifestations of the disease may affect one or more areas of the body, characteristic skin changes can change their location.

What treatment do dentists offer?

Geographically speaking, oral psoriasis is the most common manifestation, but no specific treatment is needed. The key is to avoid complications. In many sources of literature, geographical language is regarded only as a cosmetic defect.

To prevent unpleasant consequences and the addition of complications, it is necessary to strengthen the hygiene of the oral cavity, and when cleaning teeth, do not forget about the tongue. The dentist at the reception will select the most suitable means and hygiene items, teach the rules of brushing teeth, schedule preventive visits.

Only if complications or unpleasant symptoms occur can dentists prescribe a number of drugs: analgesics to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, which will be resolved and compatible with psoriasis. Doctors may also give people a course of antibiotics.

It is important not only to treat and contain the oral manifestations, but also to treat the underlying disease.

Prevention

To prevent the symptoms from being activated, doctors advise people to avoid the effects of triggers. To prevent mouth symptoms, people should

exclude from the diet very hot, spicy and other irritating dishes and food products;
abandon bad habits;
Ensure adequate oral hygiene using complementary hygiene products;
reduce stress, which can also be considered as an activator of unpleasant symptoms.

Prognosis of the Disease

Symptoms of psoriasis can appear anywhere in the skin, including the mouth. Patients can manage symptoms without provoking factors: certain drugs, food, etc.

Even mild manifestations and symptoms should be considered. At the appointment, the doctor will develop an individual treatment and prevention plan, which will significantly reduce the number of outbreaks of the disease or achieve permanent remission.

Psoriasis is a serious disease that affects all aspects of the life of patients. Studies show that symptoms of psoriasis affect the mental aspect of life and can lead to chronic stress and even depression, which only aggravates the manifestations of pathology and provokes some complications.