Just like your teeth can affect your overall health, your overall health and wellness can affect the health of your mouth. But do you know what illnesses can affect the mouth? Let’s take a look at a few.
The Acids
Acid Reflux Disease (GERD) is caused when the esophageal sphincter that separates the stomach from the esophagus allows acid to seep out of the stomach. The acid can be the cause of heartburn but it doesn’t always manifest in heartburn. The first indication of GERD can be the erosion of the enamel on the backside of your teeth. Certain food and beverages that you put into your body can cause this regurgitation. Spicy, acidic, fatty, or sweet foods as well as coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks can cause acid to bubble up into the esophagus. Your dentist will recommend pro-enamel toothpaste to help reverse the damage.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can wear at your enamel in the same way. Accord to the National Eating Disorders Associations, 89% of bulimic patients shows signs of teeth erosion due to regurgitation. Some patients will find a change in their tooth length, color, and shape; increased sensitivity to temperatures; dry mouth that could lead to tooth decay; and spontaneous pain in teeth. If you have any of these health issues, speak with your dentist about the best plan for you.
Diabetes
Diabetes is when a person has too much glucose in their body and their pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to neutralize the sugar. These high levels of sugar in the body can cause major health issues if they are not controlled by either artificial or natural insulin. When your diabetes is under control, it should have little effect on your overall oral health, but it is when diabetes is uncontrolled that oral problems are a big concern. Diabetes can put you at higher risk for gum disease, gum inflammation (gingivitis), dry mouth, thrush mouth, and a burning sensation in your mouth and tongue. It is important for diabetics to maintain their proper diet as well as maintain proper dental hygiene.
Oral Health with Annapolis Dental Care
These diseases and disorders are just some of the health problems that can affect the health of your mouth. For more information about these problems and other health conditions that could hurt your mouth, teeth, and tongue, speak with your Annapolis Dental Care dentist. If you want to schedule your next visit, please contact Annapolis Family Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! We can give you more information, or schedule your appointment.
Our diligent knowledge of all dental treatments and extensive experience in all fields of dentistry, ensure Annapolis Dental is best suited to care for your oral health. You can also follow Annapolis Dental Care on Facebook,Twitter, and Google+.