No part of the body functions truly independently, and your teeth are no exception. Tooth decay can be caused by much more than just poor oral hygiene. Tooth decay is often a symptom or warning sign of something much larger, and possibly more dangerous, happening in the body. There are common diseases that cause tooth decay.
When you visit your local dentist for an exam, we look at more than just the physical appearance of your teeth. If you’ve ever wondered why we ask so many questions about your lifestyle and the rest of your medical history, it’s because we are trying to understand the entire picture, along with what your mouth and oral health are telling us.
Common Diseases That Cause Tooth Decay
The mouth is a window to the rest of the body and will often show warning signs that there’s something bigger going on. Here are some of the diseases that frequently cause tooth decay. If you suffer from any of these conditions, be sure to discuss them with your dentist at your next appointment.
Diabetes
Diabetes has perhaps the most significant cause-and-effect relationship with tooth decay. Whether you have type I or type II diabetes, your body’s blood sugar is elevated because of lowered insulin levels. This impacts many parts of the body, and the mouth is a big part of that.
One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is a dry mouth, which is due to a lack of saliva. Beyond making your mouth feel more comfortable, saliva also helps protect your teeth against the bacteria that cause tooth decay. If you don’t have enough saliva, your teeth are more vulnerable, and your risk of developing cavities is higher.
As tooth decay continues to build up, the risk for gum disease also increases. Gum disease is caused as bacteria continue to build up in your mouth. About a quarter of all people diagnosed with diabetes also develop gum disease.
Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune conditions are a family of diseases that involve the body attacking parts of itself. This can include everything from major organ systems, like the kidneys, to smaller systems like salivary glands. Many of these diseases have some impact on the mouth, but the one most directly tied to oral health is Sjögren’s syndrome.
Anorexia and Bulimia
Both anorexia and bulimia are severe eating disorders. They occur when men or women have an extreme fear of becoming overweight and either eat less or regurgitate food as a result.
Both conditions have implications on the teeth because the body is not getting the minerals, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients that it needs to maintain good oral health and prevent tooth decay from forming. When people with anorexia do eat, they tend to fill up on sugary, salty, unhealthy foods that are bad for their teeth.
In addition, a person who is bulimic may binge eat and then vomit. When this occurs the acids that break down your food eat away at the tooth enamel, which leads to decay over time. Other effects of bulimia include bad breath, swollen glands, and teeth that appear to be worn down.
Avoid Tooth Decay with Total Body Care
These are just a few of the more common diseases that cause tooth decay. The connections between your mouth and the rest of your body are not always apparent which is why it’s important to share your medical history with your dentist.
At Arrow Dental Centre, your comfort is our top priority. We are proud to offer quality and affordable dental care. Book your next dental appointment, or call for a consultation today!
