Is there an association between systemic lupus erythematosus and periodontal disease?

Débora Cerqueira Calderaro, Gilda Aparecida Ferreira, Santuza Maria Souza de Mendonça, Jôice Dias Corrêa, Fabrícia Xavier Santos, João Guilherme Capinam Sanção, Tarcília Aparecida da Silva, Antônio Lúcio Teixeira

Periodontal disease results from the interaction between pathogenic bacteria that colonize supragingival and subgingival biofilms and the host, triggering an inflammatory response, with systemic effects leading to immune-mediated destruction of the attachment apparatus and loss of supporting alveolar bone. Immunological pathways and predisposing genetic factors common to periodontal disease and rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, have been described. Case reports have suggested greater severity of periodontal disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. However, studies evaluating the influence of the treatment of one disease on the clinical and laboratory manifestations of the other have yielded conflicting results.