01/14/2026
Your immune system is beautifully designed to know when to fight — and when to stand down.
But sometimes, that balance can slip.
According to NIH research, tiny changes in something called the PD-1 / PD-L1 pathway — the body’s natural “brake system” for immune reactions — may increase the risk of both gum disease and autoimmune conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis.
Here’s the simple version 👇
This pathway helps your immune system tell the difference between harmful bacteria and your own healthy tissues. When it’s not working perfectly, your body may start attacking its own cells, leading to inflammation — not only in your joints or skin, but even in your gums.
🦷 Your mouth can be one of the first places your immune system shows signs of stress.
Gums that bleed, swell, or feel tender can reflect more than brushing habits — they can sometimes mirror what’s happening in your body’s immune balance.
Caring for your gums isn’t just about a pretty smile — it’s part of nurturing your whole-body wellness and supporting your immune system’s natural calm. 💙
📚 Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) reviews on PD-1 / PD-L1 immune pathways and their link to periodontal and autoimmune diseases.
🌱🧩 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 🦷🌿
☏ (703)775-0002