Many American adults experience chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure or asthma. People with chronic diseases need ongoing medical treatment and medication. You already know how to manage your chronic illness, but what about your teeth and gums? Your chronic disease might affect your dental health as well.
Chronic Diseases Can Affect Teeth and Gums
Your teeth and gums are part of your body system and can be affected by medication and therapies for chronic illnesses. For example, people with allergies and asthma have an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease because they take medication that can cause their mouths to become dry. A dry mouth allows bacteria in your mouth to grow, which can cause both tooth decay and gum disease.
People with diabetes have to pay particular attention to their teeth and gums. Due to their bodies not processing sugar normally, mouth wounds or mouth trauma are harder to heal. Gum disease and tooth decay can also occur more rapidly than in the mouths of people who don't have diabetes. If a diabetic person does not practice good oral hygiene and they have advanced tooth decay or gum disease, they may have trouble regulating their sugar levels.
What Should I Do?
If you have a chronic illness, be sure that the dentist is aware of your condition as well as all of the medications you are taking to manage your disease. You may need to see a dentist more frequently to be sure your teeth and gums are in great shape. Be sure you are brushing and flossing each day as well. If you are eating a healthy diet and watching your sugar intake, you improve your chances of great oral health.
Dental Blog | Madison Oral Surgery and Dental Implants The doctors at Madison Oral Surgery and Dental Implants have provided this blog to help our patients and the community. We hope our blog will cover the many topics that you and your family may be interested in. Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, 2921 Landmark Place, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53713 ~ (608) 960-7650 ~ madisonoralsurgeons.com ~ 9/27/2023 ~ Tags: Oral Surgeon, Dental Implants, All on 4, Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Many American adults experience chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure or asthma. People with chronic diseases need ongoing medical treatment and medication. You already know how to manage your chronic illness, but what about your teeth and gums? Your chronic disease might affect your dental health as well.