Do you know that the condition of your teeth represents the health status of your entire body? It may surprise you that tooth decay is not entirely caused by poor oral hygiene. In some cases it's a sign of a much more serious health condition. There are several diseases that present (in part) in the form of oral problems:
- Diabetes Mellitus- Blood sugar regulation is impaired when you have diabetes, regardless of the type. Those who are suffering from this disease commonly have dry mouth due to lack of saliva. Saliva helps fend off tooth decay-causing bacteria. Inadequate saliva production makes a person susceptible to developing oral cavities. Furthermore, bacteria accumulation can also cause gum problems. Gum problems can make the condition of the patient worse as it can cause the blood sugar to further elevate complicating the severity of diabetes. It's a downward spiral that requires immediate attention at earliest detection.
- Sjögren’s syndrome - It is an autoimmune condition where in the mouth is unable to produce saliva which has the same effect to your oral health like diabetes. People suffering from this disease is recommended to have more frequent visits to their dentists for close monitoring of their oral health.
- Eating Disorders - Anorexia and Bulimia are two severe eating disorders. Those who have intense fear of gaining weight tries to eat very less or purge out their intake. Since the body is not taking adequate nutrients, their oral health is compromised. In the case of the bulimics, their constant binging and purging of food afterwards, cause stomach acids to regurgitate. The acid can gradually damage the enamel making it prone to cavities. Most bulimics have bad breath due damaged teeth.
This is exactly the reason why your dentist asks questions about your medical history and lifestyle. They want to look at all aspects of your body and their condition. For more information about dental health, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.
