Oral Health and Overall Health are Connected

Oral health and overall health are connected.

If you follow the Dental Cosmetics Blog, you will know that your oral health and overall health are connected.

However, did you know that problems that you have in other areas of your body could cause issues with your mouth, including your teeth and gums?

According to Dr. Jack Ringer, past president and Accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, ulcers and diabetes cause chronic bad breath, tooth erosion and can even make your tongue turn black.

Below are a few illnesses that could be causing problems for your teeth and gums.

Acid Reflux Oral Health and Overall Health

Your dentist in Anaheim Hills could be the first physician to notice that you are suffering from acid reflux. Gastroestophageal reflux disease can cause enamel erosion. If you do have acid reflux, rinse your mouth throughout the day.

You may be tempted to grab a brush and go at it after an episode, but it is best to wait as the bristles could damage the enamel, which could still be soft from acid.

You can avoid an episode at night if you avoid eating three hours before retiring. Keep caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods and beverages to a minimum as they could trigger acid reflux.

Ulcers Oral Health and Overall Health

What first appears as sores on your small intestine or your stomach ulcers weakens the coating that protects the stomach. The bacterium H pylori, results in stomach lining damage and although ulcers will not hurt your teeth and gums, the medication can make your tongue black. No need to be alarmed though as your black tongue will revert to normal once you are completed treatment.

Kidney Disease Oral Health and Overall Health

If your partner is complaining about your fishy breath it’s time to see your doctor. If your breath smells like ammonia or fish, it could be kidney disease. If left untreated, this serious condition could be fatal as your kidneys will not be able to filter toxins from your blood. Your breath will also begin to smell like your urine.

Diabetes Oral Health and Overall Health

This disease affects billions of people all over the planet, but it’s not just your blood sugar that is affected. Diabetics also have a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay and are more susceptible to tooth loss. If you have diabetes be sure to let Dr. Ringer and his team know of your condition.

High Blood Pressure Oral Health and Overall Health

People all over the globe have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Along with health issues, high blood pressure can also cause gingival enlargement thanks to high blood pressure medication. Gingival enlargement causes your gums to swell, become enlarged, and grow over the teeth.

The evidence is compelling with the links between oral health and overall health becoming more apparent every day. The health of your teeth and gums could very well be the fountain of youth.

Call or click and schedule a comprehensive dental examination with your Dentist in Anaheim Hills. Dr. Ringer can determine if your teeth and gums are healthy and recommend oral health and overall health advice that will keep your entire body healthy.  After all, your overall health depends on it.

Call or click for an appointment today.