The connection between oral health and general health has come under the spotlight in the past few years. According to research, your general health has a significant impact on your oral health. If you are fit and you don’t have any health issues, chances are you will have excellent oral health too.
Below are the major health issues that can negatively affect your oral health.
Diabetes
First in our list comes diabetes. History speaks of the detrimental effects of diabetes on our heart, kidneys, and eyes. What most people don’t realize is that diabetes is not only bad for those organs of your body but your oral health as well. People with diabetes have a higher probability of experiencing periodontitis, making it difficult for the body to process insulin.
Bleeding and receding gums and dry mouth can indicate health conditions like diabetes. If your mouth is dry, you will not be able to wash away food particles, acids, and sugars that cling to your teeth. As a result, you will be prone to tooth cavities. Gum infections and mouth ulcers can take much longer to heal too.
Osteoporosis
It is a debilitating disease that affects more women than men. People with osteoporosis have less bone density which weakens bones and causing them to fracture quite easily. People with low bone density suffer from weak jawbones and are also prone to periodontitis and tooth loss. People with osteoporosis suffer from tooth loss three times higher than those who don’t have this condition. If they happen to have dentures, it won’t fit them properly. To prevent this condition and avoid oral health problems, you should take calcium, particularly during and after the menopause.
AIDS
According to the American Dental Association, people with HIV and AIDS are more prone to infections including severe dental diseases. Your mouth is the first body part to be affected when you have HIV. Since HIV will weaken your overall immune system, you are more susceptible to infections. Mouth problems of HIV sufferers may include drying, red band gingivitis, canker sores, ulcers, and oral hairy leukoplakia.
HIV-related mouth and dental problems can be very painful, which can cause swallowing and chewing problems. Since you have trouble with consuming essential nutrients, it can result in malnutrition. To avoid dental issues related to HIV, take medications regularly, floss and brush your teeth twice a day, and visit your dentist in Newport Beach. If you don’t have a regular doctor, ask your primary clinic for a referral.
Asthma
Today, approximately 20 million Americans have asthma. Both children and adults with asthma may suffer from oral health. Asthma can ruin your healthy oral teeth in several ways. Since asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition, it can narrow down airways and produce excess mucus which makes breathing difficult. Most of the asthma medications include drugs that are inhaled using various forms of nebulizers or inhalers.
Asthma patients with medications are at a higher risk of oral candidiasis, periodontal diseases, dental erosion, and dental caries. Therefore, patients should receive special prophylactic attention. Besides speaking to your dentist in Newport Beach, you can follow several steps to protect your teeth and gums.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated, which can counter the effects of dry mouth. Cut back on starchy food and drinks and avoid sugar. Go for fluoridated tap water and limit soda and juice.
Stress and anxiety
You may not realize it but anxiety and stress can affect your oral health. Whenever we are suffering from anxiety, or we are under stress, we clamp down on our teeth. In some severe cases, people start grinding their teeth while they are asleep or awake. Loosen up your jaws, when you are under stress, as it will protect your teeth.
People who are under constant pressure also often neglect oral hygiene routines, and it’s hard to remember to floss or brush teeth correctly. Do not compromise your oral hygiene regimen and avoid alcohol or smoking to relieve stress. These have damaging effects on your oral health. Take proper measures to prevent stress in your life, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and have a proper diet. Seek professional help if you are suffering from extreme anxiety.
Substance abuse
People who drink excessively, smoke cigarettes, and take illegal drugs are at the risk of a myriad of health problems including teeth problems. Regular smoking does not only discolor your teeth, but it also puts you at risk of gum disease. Drug abuse can cause some severe oral health problems which include tooth loss, tooth wear, bruxism, xerostomia, mucosal dysplasia, and generalized dental caries. Getting help with detox, then entering into a proven rehabilitation program can help you overcome addiction.
Still wondering how you can get rid of oral health problems? Reach out to your nearest dentist in Newport Beach.