Oral manifestations of primary immunological diseases

Background. Primary immunodeficiencies have many oral manifestations. The clinical presentation of these diseases demonstrates the roles of different immune cells for the maintenance of oral health. Methods. The authors reviewed selected literature describing systemic and oral manifestations of the primary immunodeficiencies published between 1966 and 1999. Results. The authors found that oral candidiasis and herpetic infections are seen frequently in patients with T-cell deficiencies, while patients with B-cell deficiencies are most susceptible to bacterial infections. Periodontitis and oral candidiasis are found in some, but not all, phagocyte deficiencies. Conclusions. These findings demonstrate that T cells, B cells and phagocytes all have roles in oral immunity. Clinical Implications. Acquired conditions that affect the immune system such as diabetes, alcoholism and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, as well as certain medications, will affect oral defense mechanisms. The effects that acquired immunodeficiencies will have on oral health can be predicted from the oral manifestations of primary immunodeficiencies.