Diseases That Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay
We tend to think about tooth decay in terms of candy, soda, and poor oral hygiene. Yet there is much more to cavities than that. It turns out that certain medical conditions can make tooth decay more likely. That’s why Dr. Bruce Wilderman stresses the importance of good general wellness to all of his patients in the greater Philadelphia, PA area.
Below, the team at our restorative dentistry center would like to cover some diseases and conditions that make tooth decay more likely. Thankfully there are always options for treatment.
Diabetes
Diabetes has often been linked to tooth decay as well as gum disease. Part of this may be due to high blood sugar levels, though a poor diet can also be a major factor. Since poor eating habits typically contribute to type 2 diabetes, it can also be linked to higher instances of tooth decay.
Kidney Disease
Problem with the kidneys can lead to issues with the health of your teeth and bones. Weaker teeth and bones means a higher risk of tooth decay and plenty of other serious dental wellness issues.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive form of dementia that can affect a person’s mental state and well-being in countless ways. One of the great tragedies of Alzheimer’s is the breakdown of a person’s social and hygiene habits. As memory loss and changes in mood affect a person, their brushing, flossing, and bathing routines may be seriously disrupted.
Dry Mouth
We often think of dry mouth as a minor inconvenience, but it’s caused many of our Philadelphia patients plenty of problems. Saliva lubricates the mouth, and it also plays an important role in remineralizing your teeth. If your mouth is dry, your teeth can weaken and there is a higher risk of being susceptible to cavities.
Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid flows up into the mouth. In addition to being uncomfortable and unpleasant, the stomach acid can seriously wear away tooth enamel. This is not tooth decay but rather dental erosion, and it can be just as damaging to your smile.
Eating Disorders
People who suffer from bulimia aren’t just depriving themselves of essential nutrients. Purging causes stomach acid to pass through the mouth, which leads to acidic enamel erosion. Again, while not the same as tooth decay, the damage to the teeth can be just as severe.
What Can Be Done About My Cavities?
If you suffer from any of the above medical conditions, it’s important that you speak with your general practitioner in order to receive the treatment you need. Taking care of your general wellness can have benefits to your dental health.
Our dental care team can treat cavities and dental erosion by using a variety of restorations. Our primary goal will be to restore your ability to bite and chew. Whenever possible, we will work diligently to restore the appearance of your smile as well.
Learn More About Tooth Decay
If you would like to learn more about good oral hygiene and how to ensure your smile is healthy for years to come, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist. You can reach Artistic Expressions Dentistry by phone in the Philadelphia area by calling (215) 712-8258.