Generalized periodontal involvement in a young patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Inflammation is considered to be a leading cause of morbidity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), yet inflammatory periodontal involvement is rarely encountered. A young lady suffering from active SLE accompanied by severe periodontal loss, manifested by gingival recession of all her teeth, was referred to our clinic for treatment. The association between periodontal involvement and connective tissue diseases is unclear, and the literature dealing with periodontal involvement in patients suffering from Sjogren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis is comprised of studies showing both normal and pathological periodontal status. We discuss the possible underlying mechanisms.