Your mouth is a gateway to your body, and when that gateway becomes compromised from infection, you run the risk of similar septicity negatively impacting your physical health. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common oral-systemic links that our Boca Raton dentist can help you manage.
Acid Reflux and GERD
Many individuals who experience acid reflux will also experience tooth erosion due to the abrasive nature of stomach acids. Also, certain medications taken for acid reflux and GERD may contribute to a condition known as dry mouth. And when dry mouth occurs, your body’s natural saliva production is compromised, which then leaves your teeth at further risk of damage from harmful bacteria.
Diabetic Patients Run a Greater Risk of Compromised Oral Health
Individuals with diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing periodontal diseases due to their body’s immune response to bacteria being compromised. It’s a simple equation: Fluctuations in blood sugar lead to fluctuations in the sugar levels in saliva, which then equals an increase in cavity activity.
The Connection Between Heart Disease and Oral Health
A simple Google search will reveal that there’s a distinct connection between poor oral health and increased incidents of heart disease. Need proof? The Mayo Clinic states that poor oral health “is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease.” Some signs of potential heart disease include irritated gums, bleeding gums, receding gums, or chronic bad breath. Fortunately, our dentist in Boca Raton, FL, can treat these conditions before they culminate in heart disease.
Changes in Your Oral Health During Pregnancy
Just as you know, the importance of prenatal care for the physiological changes your body will experience during pregnancy, there’s a condition known as Pregnancy Gingivitis that can also occur. Being pregnant does not exclude you from practicing preventive dentistry by sticking to regularly scheduled dental exams and professional tooth cleaning in Boca Raton, FL.
Do You Recognize Any of These Lupus Symptoms?
Do you have dry, cracked lips or mouth sores and lesions on the palate or roof of your mouth? Although these could be signs of several oral health concerns, they are also common signs of an autoimmune condition such as Lupus. Rather than continuing to worry or wonder what’s causing these changes in your oral health, you can book an appointment with our dentist near you in Boca Raton using our convenient online booking tool for consultation and treatment.