Tooth decay occurs when the enamel of your teeth is damaged or destroyed. And since the mouth is the window to the entire body, it often gives warning signs that something is amiss. This guide discusses some of the diseases that commonly cause tooth decay. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to discuss them with your dentist during your next appointment.
Common diseases that cause tooth decayinclude Diabetes
Diabetes is perhaps the most important cause of tooth decay. It doesn't matter if you have type I or type II diabetes, your blood sugar is high due to low insulin levels. It affects many parts of your body, including your teeth.
Dry mouth is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes, causing a lack of saliva. On the other hand, saliva helps protect teeth against bacteria that cause tooth decay. So if you don't have enough saliva, your teeth will be more susceptible to cavities.
As tooth decay worsens, the risk of developing gum disease also increases. In contrast, gum disease causes blood sugar levels to rise. Therefore, it is a vicious cycle that must be resolved quickly.
Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune diseases are a group of problems that cause the body to attack its own organs. This includes everything from major organ systems, like the liver or kidneys, to smaller systems like the salivary glands. Many of these diseases also affect your mouth. But the main cause that depends on oral health is Sjogren's syndrome. This disease directly affects the salivary glands. It reduces the amount of saliva secreted from your mouth. This has the same effects as previously described with diabetes.
People with Sjogren's syndrome should see their dentist more often to monitor tooth decay.
Bulimia and Anorexia
Both bulimia and anorexia are serious eating disorders. They occur in people who are extremely afraid of being overweight. But both of these conditions can affect your teeth. This is because the body does not have enough minerals, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients needed to prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health.
People with anorexia often tend to eat foods that are sugary, salty, and not good for their oral health. Similarly, an insatiable person may gobble up food and then vomit. When this happens, the acids that break down food eat away at the enamel. This leads to tooth decay over time.
Avoid Tooth Decay with Overall Health Care
These are some of the most common diseases that can cause tooth decay. But the connection between the body and the mouth is not always clear. Therefore, it is important to share your medical history with your dentist. So don't wait if you have any of these illnesses. Get it treated before it worsens your oral health.
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