A LOOK AT MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT YOUR ORAL HEALTH

Your dentist can learn a lot about your overall wellness by examining your mouth. There are many medical conditions that can affect your oral health, such as by increasing your risk of periodontal disease. Each time you visit your dentist in Belmont, be sure to update your patient information record. If need be, your dentist can adjust your dental treatment to accommodate your unique medical needs.

Diabetes

This chronic, potentially life-threatening disease can affect many aspects of your health, including your oral health. If you have diabetes, then you may already know that it can inhibit your immune system. This means that your body will have a harder time fighting off oral infections caused by bacteria. In addition to being at a higher risk of gum disease, you could be at a higher risk of oral fungal infections, known as thrush. In addition to checking your mouth for signs of these infections, your dentist may consider whether you could have xerostomia, or dry mouth. Diabetics tend to produce less saliva than usual. This is significant because saliva is necessary for washing away food debris and bacteria. Producing less saliva can increase your risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland is a crucial component of your endocrine system. It’s responsible for producing certain hormones. A thyroid disorder involves the overproduction or underproduction of hormones. Hormonal imbalances can suppress the body’s ability to heal wounds and respond appropriately to bacteria. This problem applies to the gums, which increases the risk of gum disease. Like diabetes, thyroid disorders can also trigger chronic dry mouth.

Anemia

Anemia is a chronic condition in which the body has lower levels of red blood cells than it should. People with anemia might also not have sufficient levels of hemoglobin in the red blood cells, which is essential for the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. A steady supply of oxygenated blood is crucial for oral health. Without enough oxygenated blood, the gums may look unusually pale and be at an increased risk of bacterial infections. Dentists might also notice that the tongues of individuals with anemia display signs of inflammation, which is a condition known as glossitis.