During routine dental checkups, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth as well as check for oral health issues that might be contributing to poor oral health. Did you know that your oral health can show what is happening in the rest of your body? Thus, the presence of dental issues may indicate the presence of other health issues. This makes it important to see your Ankeny dentist regularly. Your dentist can give you appropriate treatment for your oral health problems and refer you to specialists if you have other health problems. The following are health issues that can lead to poor oral health:
High Blood Pressure
This medical condition can contribute to gum issues such as red and bleeding gums and gum disease. If you experience gum issues, you should consider having your blood pressure checked. In addition, some high blood pressure medications can lead to dry mouth, which can result in tooth decay. This can happen as saliva helps get rid of teeth bacteria.
Obesity
This condition is associated with periodontitis, which is a serious form of gum disease. This disease begins as gingivitis and becomes more severe over time. Obese people must take extra care to pay attention to their gum health to avoid serious gum disease.
Kidney Disease
This health problem can also contribute to bad gum health. It can negatively impact your gums. Chronic gum infections can lead to kidney inflammation and other bodily inflammation.
Osteoporosis
In older adults, loose teeth can indicate fragile and weakening bones. A Dental X-ray can show a lack of bone density in the jaw, which is a positive sign of osteoporosis. If your dentist suspects you have osteoporosis, they will refer to you a specialist.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, it is important to control your blood glucose level to protect your gums. If you have both periodontitis and diabetes, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for treatment. Some people who have both conditions may need to undergo gum surgery.
Anemia
This condition occurs if your blood has very few red blood cells. Often, people with anemia have pale gums. Doctors treat anemia depending on the case; however, if your dentist suspects you are anemic, they will refer you to the right specialist.
There are a lot of health issues that can lead to poor dental health. If you think your oral health is compromised because of an underlying illness, seek professional help immediately.
