Just like the rest of your body, your mouth can be affected by certain diseases. There are certain health conditions that can have consequences for your gums and teeth. From ulcers to diabetes, some medical conditions can cause bad breath or erode teeth.
Your mouth offers clues about your overall health. There are some oral health conditions that manifest due to prevailing health conditions. These illnesses can have a contributing factor to oral health conditions that even good dental hygiene cannot eliminate. If such is the case, getting treatment for these medical conditions can help treat your oral health issues – bringing relief.
Read on to learn more about the different health conditions that can affect your mouth.
Acid reflux
If you have acid reflux, your Dallas dentist may notice erosion on your back teeth, caused by the strong stomach acid that can destroy or wear down your enamel. Protect your teeth from these harmful acids by rinsing your mouth vigorously with water to lessen the acid in your mouth. It may be tempting to brush your teeth right away, but we advise against this. Wait for a good hour or so, and use a soft-bristled brush. Acid tends to soften the enamel, so brushing them right away may be harmful in the long run. To prevent acid reflux during nighttime, try not to eat 2-3 hours before bedtime, and stay away from acid triggers like caffeine or alcohol. It would be also a good idea to ask your dentist for the best mouthwash and toothpaste for you.
Chronic kidney disease
People who have kidney disease are more likely to have oral health issues. As soon as you notice something fishy about your breath, see your doctor. Your breath will take on the smell of your urine as your kidneys lose their ability of filter toxins and waste from the blood.
Dry mouth – a condition that affects your body’s ability to produce saliva – may be the side effect of certain kidney medications. Left untreated, a kidney condition may turn serious or even fatal. Be sure to let your dentist know if you have kidney disease, are a kidney transplant recipient, or are on dialysis. It is essential that you work with your dentist and medical doctor to balance the needs of your overall health and oral health.
High blood pressure
If you are suffering from hypertension, you might have something new to worry about. There are certain medications designed to help lower blood pressure that come with the unwelcome side effect of gingival enlargement, a condition characterized by the increase in gum size, causing your gums to grow bigger in size and grow over your teeth.
Diabetes
Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar. Those suffering from this inflammatory disease have a higher risk of tooth and gum conditions. This is due to their lowered resistance to infection, plus, the healing process will take some time. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, be sure to share this information with your Dallas dentist since it can take a toll on your mouth. Be very vigilant in flossing and brushing too.
One thing is clear: your mouth is connected to your other body parts, and may get affected if you are suffering from certain health conditions. On its own, proper oral hygiene doesn’t guarantee good oral health. Take care of your overall health, maintain a good oral hygiene, and be sure to go to your Dallas dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
