ORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES: LUPUS, PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS, AND LICHEN PLANUS

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, have shown a significant increase in prevalence in recent years, highlighting the importance of better understanding their manifestations, diagnoses, therapies, and prevention strategies. This study reviews the literature on the oral manifestations of three clinically relevant autoimmune diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, pemphigus vulgaris, and oral lichen planus, focusing on their importance for diagnosis and dental management. The research was conducted using the SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS databases, covering publications from 2020 to 2025, with descriptors such as "systemic lupus erythematosus", "pemphigus vulgaris", "oral lichen planus", and "autoimmune diseases" to identify articles addressing the oral manifestations of these conditions. The results indicated a significant increase in studies addressing these oral manifestations, with an emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic advances. Oral manifestations of lupus, such as ulcers and xerostomia, often hinder early diagnosis due to their variability. Pemphigus vulgaris is characterized by painful oral lesions, requiring continuous monitoring, especially in patients with a family history. Oral lichen planus, in turn, presents lesions that may be asymptomatic or severely erosive, requiring regular follow-up. Collaboration between dentists, rheumatologists, and dermatologists is crucial for the proper management of these diseases, promoting more effective treatments and improving patients' quality of life. It is concluded that early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach are essential, although challenges such as the diversity of manifestations and the lack of diagnostic uniformity still persist. Continued research is crucial for improving the care of these patients.