Three Medical Conditions That Can Affect Your Oral Health
Posted on: 21 January 2018
If you're like most people, you take pretty good care of your teeth and are hoping to enjoy good dental health for years to come. However, you may not be aware that certain medical conditions potentially have adverse affects on your teeth and gums and that you may have to practice extra diligence when it comes to maintaining optimal oral health. Following are three common medical conditions that can cause damage to your teeth and gums.
Diabetes
Those with diabetes may be particularly vulnerable to the development of gum disease. Those with diabetes may also experience dry mouth. The most important thing anyone with diabetes can do is to work diligently to maintain optimal glucose levels in their blood. Your dentist may also advise a customized routine to help keep your risk of developing gum disease to a minimum. Sticking to a general routine of oral care is also important for those with diabetes -- you should be brushing and flossing after every meal and possibly using an antibacterial product on a nightly basis.
Thyroid Disorders
Those with thyroid conditions run an elevated risk of developing cavities and may also increase vulnerability to the development of gum disease. Because a malfunctioning thyroid causes bodily tissues to become weaker, it also increases the likelihood of infections -- and when infections do occur in those with thyroid disorder, they are more serious and last far longer than in their counterparts without thyroid disorder. Practicing good oral hygiene is imperative for those suffering from a malfunctioning thyroid.
Autoimmune Disorders
Certain autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren's Syndrome and Lupus can cause malfunction in the saliva, causing the mouth to become extremely dry. Because saliva works to flush bacteria and food debris from the mouth, its absence results in elevated risk of tooth and gum decay. If you suffer from an autoimmune disorder, speak with your dentist about devising a program that will help keep oral issues to a minimum.
Simply sucking on a lemon drop stimulates saliva production, and there are over-the-counter products as well as prescription medications that can help prevent the mouth from drying out. It's also important to use an antibacterial mouthwash on a regular basis if an autoimmune system disorder is a part of your overall health picture.
Please feel free to schedule an appointment with a dentist, like Hughes Thomas R, to learn more about how certain medical conditions can have a negative effect on your overall oral health.
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