Three Somewhat Common Medical Conditions That Affect Your Dental Health
People tend to think of dental health as an aside to their overall health. Perhaps this is because you see a dentist for tooth care and a general practitioner to care for the rest of your body. But your dental health and overall health are more closely linked than you might think. Certain conditions can have a profound impact on your dental health and the way you must care for your teeth. Here are three of them:
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot adequately control your blood sugar levels. Depending on the type of diabetes you have, your pancreas either does not produce enough insulin -- the hormone that triggers your body's cells to take up sugar -- or your body's cells do not react as they should to the insulin. In either case, sustained high blood sugar levels caused by diabetes can have serious affects on your body, including the inside of your mouth.
Diabetics are at an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and dry mouth. Dry mouth can actually make decay and gum disease worse. Diabetics may also suffer from delayed healing of sores in the mouth, which increases the risk of infection. If you are a diabetic, your dentist may be hesitant to recommend procedures like dental implants because of this slow healing. By working closely with your doctor to keep your blood sugar under control, you can minimize these risks, but you will still want to see your dentist for regular exams and to take oral hygiene seriously.
Thyroid Disorders
Your thyroid gland is a gland that sits in your neck, just below your jawline. It produces hormones that regulate your metabolism. In some people, the thyroid gland produces either too many or not enough hormones. Both conditions can have an impact on your oral health.
Hypothyroidism, an underproduction of thyroid hormones, can lead to enlargement of the tongue and salivary glands, along with an increased risk of periodontal disease. Hyperthyroidism, an overproduction of hormones, can lead to a burning sensation in the mouth, increased risk of cavities, and dry mouth. Usually, once your doctor gets your hormone levels under control, these risks subside. Dentists are often the first ones to suspect a patient has a thyroid problem when they notice these symptoms.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can wreak havoc on your dental health, causing damage that affects you for the rest of your life. Bulimia is the most damaging. When bulimic patients purge, the acidic vomit eats away at the tooth enamel, leading to cavities and sensitivity. The teeth may never be the same again; many patients require crowns and implants when they recover from their eating disorder. If you do have bulimia, you can minimize the risks somewhat by always rinsing your mouth with water after you purge. Avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after vomiting, since this is when the tooth enamel is most soft and prone to damage.
Anorexia is also harmful to the dentition. Patients who eat very little do not get the nutrients they need for good dental health and may suffer from cavities and gum disease as a result. If you do suffer from anorexia, being very vigilant with your dental hygiene will help, as will taking a multivitamin (if possible). Ultimately, eating disorder treatment is the best way to get your overall and oral health back on track.
Do you suffer from a health condition that you fear may be affecting your dental health? Talk to both your dentist and doctor to get a better idea of the risks. These two professionals can work together to ensure you get the treatment you need.
Share
