Tooth decay is one of the most commonly encountered dental issues. It can cause pain and discomfort, infections, and even lead to tooth loss.
Dr. Young H. Kim at Lincolnway Dental Center in Aurora, Illinois, along with her team provides various dental care services from cosmetic and preventive to restorative dental procedures.
This blog lists down some of the most common diseases that can potentially impact your dental health and cause tooth decay.
Bulimia and Anorexia
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia may have devastating effects on your teeth and body, and they must be handled at the earliest. Both of them prohibit your body from getting the nutrition it requires, thus making it difficult to keep your teeth healthy.
Vomiting frequently will also introduce acid into your mouth, causing the enamel on your teeth to erode.
Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, often known as heartburn, causes stomach acids to flow into and stay in the mouth, breaking down the enamel and exposing the dentin. This makes your mouth vulnerable to bacterial attacks and eventually causes tooth decay.
Autoimmune Diseases
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition that causes the mouth to produce less saliva. People with a dry mouth are more likely to develop cavities and tooth decay as bacteria build up and cause plaque to settle on the teeth and gum line.
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Dry mouth is also a side effect of diabetes. When the mouth does not produce enough saliva, the teeth become more vulnerable, which increases the risk of cavities.
Cancer Radiation
People who are undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck malignancies require special dental care. Radiation can cause oral ulcers and dry mouth, which increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Kidney Disease
People with renal conditions may be more susceptible to tooth decay as well as infections and gum diseases (commonly seen in kidney patients).
If you’d like to learn more about the common diseases that cause tooth decay and get your teeth checked, contact Lincolnway Dental Center at (630) 897-1300 or visit us at 648 North Randall Road, Aurora, IL 60506.
