1. Diabetes

Uncontrolled and untreated diabetes can cause havoc throughout your entire body, making it harder to heal from wounds and infections. For this reason, if your blood glucose levels are not controlled, your risk of developing gum disease drastically increases.

Gum disease can eventually destroy your gums, teeth, and jawbone. Plus, uncontrolled gum disease can actually worsen your diabetes by affecting your blood glucose levels. Other complications from diabetes include thrush, dry mouth, fungal infection, and ulcers.



2. GERD

Gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD) can cause you to have an excess of stomach acids. These acids back up into your esophagus and your mouth. Not only can this be extremely uncomfortable by creating a burning sensation in your stomach and throat, it can also destroy your teeth.

Your tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body, but stomach acid is caustic. The more stomach acid gets on your teeth, the quicker it erodes the enamel, which allows tooth decay and infections to arise.



3. Bulimia

Bulimia is a condition in which patients often force themselves to vomit after a meal. As with GERD, this allows stomach acid to reach the teeth, which can destroy them. However, so much acid in your mouth can cause other problems too.

Many patients with bulimia also have dry mouth, chronic sore throat, bleeding gums, and soft palate damage. Treating the underlying cause is essential to stop the condition, but while you seek recovery, you and your dentist can work together to help protect your teeth and oral health.



4. Anemia

Patients with anemia don't have enough red blood cells, which is a major problem because red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. With fewer red blood cells, less oxygen is reaching your body's tissues, and the gums is one of the first places you may notice signs and complications.

Anemia gums are often pale instead of pink, and with reduced blood flow, fighting off infections and sores can be difficult. If you have anemia gums, you may experience pain in the tongue, redness, or a swollen tongue/glands.



5. Thyroid Conditions

Even if your thyroid isn't working correctly, it can negatively impact your oral health. One of the leading complications with thyroid conditions is an elevated risk of gum disease. Dry mouth can further exacerbate the issue and cause cavities.

Some patients may also experience an enlarged tongue, which can affect how you speak, and it may pose a choking risk when sleeping. Finally, some patients experience distorted tastes, such as losing their sense of taste completely.



6. HIV/AIDS

HIV and AIDS impact the immune system, making it less effective at fighting infections. As with diabetes, HIV/AIDS can affect nearly every part of your body, including the mouth. First, you may notice dry mouth or thrush, which can be irritating and lead to gum disease.

However, many HIV/AIDS patients also experience white lesions, red band gingivitis, ulcerative periodontist, outbreaks of herpes simplex, canker sores, and mouth ulcers. Because HIV/AIDS slows the immune system, your oral conditions may take longer to heal.

While brushing and flossing is imperative to keep a healthy smile, many conditions can increase your risk of oral complications. If you would like to know more information about oral health and your overall health, contact us at New England Dental Health Services today.