Chronic health conditions can negatively affect your dental health! Understanding what can happen helps you make good health decisions and seek appropriate care. Here are some examples of how chronic health conditions impact your teeth and gums:
Diabetes
Diabetes affects how your body processes sugar. It can impact your oral health in a few ways, such as causing dry mouth. Without enough saliva in your mouth, you’re more likely to get cavities. Diabetes also increases your risk for gum disease and makes it harder for the infection to heal. In a reinforcing cycle, untreated gum disease can raise your blood sugar and make you more likely to develop diabetes or make diabetes harder to manage. If you have diabetes, taking excellent care of your teeth and gums is very important.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to weaken and become brittle. With a weakened jawbone, you’re more likely to experience tooth loss and gum disease. Some medications for osteoporosis also have side effects affecting dental health. To avoid these issues, maintain good oral health at home and regular trips to the dentist. If you’re on medications for osteoporosis, be sure to tell the dentist.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases develop when your body’s immune cells mistakenly attack other cells instead of invading microorganisms like bacteria. There are around 100 autoimmune disorders affecting specific organs or the entire body. They often damage the body’s nerves and blood vessels. When the affected blood vessels are in your mouth, your risk for gum disease increases. When untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth and bone loss. Many autoimmune diseases also cause dry mouth and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Maintain Great Dental Health at Hooks Family Dentistry in College Station, Texas
Chronic health conditions can negatively impact your oral health, so taking care of your teeth is extra important! Brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings and exams manage common issues like gum disease and dry mouth. We can also provide advice on how to best care for your smile! If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hooks, please contact us today.
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