There is no bodily part that functions independently, and your teeth are no exception. If you have cavities, know that tooth decay is caused by much more than poor oral habits. This disease is typically a warning sign or symptom of something bigger, and potentially more dangerous in your body.
There are a number of diseases that cause tooth decay. When you visit your Dallas dentist, we check for more than your teeth’s physical appearance. You might be wondering why we ask questions like your medical history or lifestyle – it is because we want to understand the big picture, and would want to dig deeper than what your oral health and your mouth are telling us.
Below are the diseases that cause tooth decay. If you suffer from any of these conditions, be sure to discuss it with us on your next visit.
1. Diabetes
Diabetes is widely linked to tooth decay. A person with diabetes has elevated blood sugar levels due to low insulin. This affects a lot of bodily parts, including the mouth.
A person with diabetes typically has dry mouth due to a lack of saliva. Saliva lubricates your mouth and helps protect your teeth against cavity-causing bacteria in the process. Not having enough saliva on your mouth makes your teeth vulnerable to developing cavities.
A cavity buildup increases gum disease risk, and gum disease causes blood sugar levels to rise further – a viscous cycle that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
2. Bulimia and anorexia
Both conditions are severe eating disorders, and normally happens when a person has an extreme fear of being obese, causing them to regurgitate food or eat less.
Bulimia and anorexia have oral health implications since the body is not getting the vitamins, proteins, minerals, and other nutrients that it requires to maintain optimum oral health.
3. Autoimmune conditions
These are a family of diseases that causes the body to attack itself – including smaller systems like saliva glands to bigger organ systems like the kidneys. A lot of these diseases can affect the mouth.
A person with an autoimmune system is advised to visit the dentist more frequently to keep tooth decay at bay.
The conditions mentioned above are just some of the diseases that cause tooth decay. Your mouth is directly connected to the rest of your body so it’s essential to share your medical history with your dentist.
Your caring team at Dallas Dental Wellness will work with you to develop a comprehensive oral health treatment plan that has a full-body approach.
