Have you ever wondered why your dentist asks about your lifestyle and medical history? It is because your mouth and the rest of your body are connected. Most of the issues that cause tooth decay result from existing disorders or abnormal health conditions. Read on to learn about common diseases that lead to tooth decay.
Tooth decay affects kids and adults on a regular basis. However, if the dentist in Phoenix notices persistent decay, they will check for underlying health issues. Some of the diseases or disorders that cause tooth decay are explained below.
Patients with type 2 diabetes are more prone to tooth decay than people without the disease. When suffering from type 2 diabetes, you have low insulin levels. This leads to high blood sugar concentration. As a result, plaque accumulates fast in your mouth, leading to dental decay and gum disease.
The low insulin levels also reduce saliva production in your mouth, resulting in a dry mouth. Saliva washes away bacteria, acids, and food debris from the mouth. Reduced salivary flow allows bacteria to thrive in the mouth resulting in increased plaque. As a result, your teeth will be more prone to decay.
Once the experts at the dental offices near you notice that you have type 2 diabetes, they will help reduce the risk of decay. For instance, they will increase the frequency of your professional dental cleanings. If you had two appointments yearly, they would add two or three more. This will help prevent the accumulation of decay-causing plaque.
They may also provide more frequent fluoride treatments. These remineralize your tooth enamel and prevent decay. In addition, they may apply dental sealants on your teeth to keep plaque from reaching your tooth. They will also instruct you to clean your mouth more frequently daily.
Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia can cause tooth decay. When you have an eating disorder, your body does not receive sufficient nutrients. as a result, you will not have healthy teeth and gums. In addition, you may vomit, causing acids from your stomach to contact your teeth. So, you will have enamel erosion, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
Eating disorders also affect the salivary glands reducing saliva production. Therefore, you will have a dry mouth that is susceptible to decay. Your dentist will discuss your condition and get you the appropriate help. In addition, they will treat or prevent the effects on your oral health. This can prevent a visit to an emergency dentist near you.
These are conditions that occur when your body’s immune system is compromised. They may involve the body attacking parts of its organs. An example of an autoimmune disease that affects the mouth is Sjögren’s syndrome. It affects saliva production leading to dryness in the mouth. As a result, your teeth become more prone to decay.
If you have this condition, the dentist in Phoenix will increase your cleaning appointments. This helps them prevent tooth decay due to plaque accumulation. Also, they will recommend products to increase saliva production. In addition, they may apply sealants to your teeth or perform fluoride treatments to prevent decay.
If you suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, your teeth are prone to decay. The disease causes acids from your stomach to come up into the mouth. As a result, you will experience enamel erosion. Once the dentist detects this disease, they will refer you to a doctor for treatment. Also, they will take precautions to prevent decay and other oral health issues.
The red cells in your blood distribute oxygen, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to the body. Unfortunately, patients with anemia have a reduced number of red blood cells. As a result, their bodies do not get sufficient nutrient compounds.
The lack of vitamins and iron affects your mouth leading to tooth decay and other issues. The dentist will alert your doctor of the disease and help prevent decay.
Do you have persistent tooth decay, yet you maintain proper oral hygiene? Then visit us at Open Wide Dental for a comprehensive evaluation. Our team will review your medical history, lifestyle habits, and daily activities to determine the cause of decay. Afterwards, we will provide appropriate treatment or solutions to prevent decay.
We welcome patients from all surrounding locations to visit our dental office in Phoenix, AZ
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