The immune system must learn to differentiate between self and non-self very early in development.  This recognition is critical for the well-being of our body.  In autoimmune diseases, certain body cells are targeted as antigens (foriegn proteins) and are attacked.  Single cells or entire body systems may be involved.

Viruses are thought to play a part in the triggering of autoimmune diseases.  Diseases as diverse as Type I Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Systemic Lupus Erythematous,  Scleroderma, and Alzheimer's Disease are associated with defects in the body's immune system.  Basically this is a situation where a person's own immune system destroys its own tissues.

Autoimmune Diseases can be triggered by metals, nutrients, organic compounds, pesticides, ultraviolet radiation, and stress.  Stress is one of the strongest triggers.  It affects the hypothalamus which releases glucose into the blood.  This increase in glucose can profoundly affect the immune system.

Some autoimmune diseases present orally.  Systemic Lupus Erythematosus can present with lichen planus-like lesions in the mouth;  petichiae;  gingival bleeding;  Sjogren's Syndrome; and/or painful ulcers.

Systemic Sclerosis can reduce the ability to open your mouth which causes difficulty in eating, speaking, and swallowing.  Dry mouth can also be a result. 

It continues to amaze us when we step back and view the marvelous human body as a whole.  When we recognize that the mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract and is fully connected to that system.  It definitely ramps up the intensity with which we approach good oral health.