Chronic disease and oral health go hand in hand. Some chronic diseases can cause problems in your mouth, and on the other hand some oral problems have been linked to specific chronic conditions. Which came first? Did the disease occur first or was the disease caused by poor oral health?

Poor dental health is linked to the following chronic conditions:

Diabetes

Diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar. It can be managed with controlled diet and medical treatment. However, left untreated, it can cause many problems, including premature degeneration of eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels and some problems in your mouth including:

• Less saliva, which makes your mouth feel very dry.
• More cavities due to the lack of saliva. Saliva is needed to protect your teeth from cavities.
• Gums become inflamed and bleed because blood vessels thicken, which weakens the resistance of gum tissue to infection.
• Cold sores or cuts in your mouth may take longer to heal due to diabetes.
• You are more likely to get an infection in your mouth because high glucose levels may help germs grow and set the stage for infection.

Ask yourself which came first? If you have poor oral health, you are more likely to get diabetes. Gum disease is an infection and infections cause blood sugar to rise. If you have gum disease and don’t treat it, your blood sugar could increase and raise your risk of developing diabetes. The good news is that the treatment of either gum disease or diabetes can lead to improvements in the other.

Cardiovascular Problems

Your mouth contains hundreds of different kinds of bacteria. If you have a healthy mouth it has the ability to fight off the bad bacteria that cause disease. But when you have gum disease, an infection, or another problem in your mouth, you lose that ability to fight off those germs.

Many studies show an association between gum disease (periodontal disease) and cardiovascular disease. The bacteria in your mouth can cause infection and inflammation that is connected to heart disease, clogged arteries, and even stroke.

Another cardiovascular condition linked to oral health is endocarditis, which is an infection in your heart. It is usually caused by bacteria in the bloodstream that attach to weakened areas of the heart. These bacteria could come from your mouth, if your mouth’s normal defenses are down. How do you prevent it? According to the Mayo Clinic you need to pay special attention to your dental health; brush and floss your teeth and gums often, and have regular dental checkups.

Cancer

More than one-third of cancer patients experience problems with their mouth. Cancer and its treatments weaken the body’s immune system and you’re more likely to get an infection, especially if you have unhealthy gums. Chronic disease, like on-going, or undiagnosed cancer can severely impact your oral health.  The cancer treatments also can cause side-effects that cause problems in your mouth, such as:

• Mouth sores
• Dry mouth
• Sensitive gums
• Jaw pain

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes your bones to become weaker and more brittle which could also lead to bone loss in your teeth. You could eventually lose teeth because as they become weak, they break. In addition, some medicines that treat osteoporosis can cause problems in the bones of the jaw.

Auto-Immune Disease

The mouth is a breeding ground of activity for bacteria, many of which can cause problems to your overall health. There are 500 different types of bacteria in our mouths and some of them can cause periodontal disease. An auto-immune disease, such as Lupus is tied to a variety of oral health issues. Lupus is just the beginning; the disease can be elevated because of poor oral hygiene. Good regular dental care with a trusted dentist can help discover and alleviate any problems that might arise with a chronic disease such as lupus. Chronic disease and oral health share common risk factors and general health problems may cause or worsen oral health conditions. Which came first?

Eating Disorders (Bulimia and Anorexia)

Frequent vomiting leads to strong stomach acid repeatedly pouring over your teeth. As a result, tooth enamel can be destroyed, and teeth can change color, becoming brittle, translucent and weak. In extreme cases the pulp can be exposed and cause infection. Tooth decay can actually be aggravated by excessive tooth brushing or rinsing following vomiting.

Oral Care is Vital

Whether you have a chronic disease or are at risk for one, you need to take good care of your mouth. Everyone should follow these tips for good oral health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush using fluoride toothpaste
• Floss your teeth every day
• Get regular dental checkups every six months
• Limit starchy and sugary foods
• Limit soft drinks and sweetened drinks
• Don’t use tobacco
• Treat symptoms of dry mouth:
• Drink extra water
• Use sugar-free gum, sugar free candy, or mints to moisten your mouth
• Use a saliva substitute or oral moisturizer
• Use a water flosser, such as a Waterpik®, to remove plaque from the gum line

• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash

Learn More About Chronic Disease and Oral Health 

Dr. Shane S. Porter of Premier Dentistry of Eagle, has the training and experience necessary to assess all of your oral health needs, and if you have a chronic condition, he will determine a course of treatment that is best for you. It’s important to communicate with him during your check-up about any ongoing health concerns so he can help you.

If you have a chronic medical condition and haven’t seen a dentist for some time, please contact our office or call us at (208) 546-0655. You will find that Dr. Porter offers compassion along with cutting-edge dental technology. Conveniently located at 467 South Rivershore Lane in Eagle, Dr. Porter provides expert care to patients in the surrounding communities of Star, Middleton, Meridian, Garden City, and Boise, Idaho. 

Dr. Porter sees much more than just your teeth! He has the skills and expertise to spot emerging medical problems and will help you and your family with all of your dental needs.