Six diagnoses that impact your oral health
Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, acid reflux, eating disorders, and cancer
Sometimes, a dentist will suspect a serious systemic health condition based on an oral health evaluation. It's essential to see your dentist regularly not just for your oral health - but also for other important insights into your overall health and well-being.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, acid reflux, eating disorders, and cancer each come with their own unique set of dental concerns. Here's what you need to know:
Health + Diagnoses
Type 1 diabetes
Usually, type 1 diabetes is diagnosed early in life. When your body doesn't produce enough insulin, you have Type 1 diabetes. You may have a difficult time as you first learn to control your blood sugars.
While you're under the care of your physician, Type 1 diabetes probably won't impact your risk for periodontal disease. Of course, you're still going to have oral health concerns.
For example, if your glucose levels aren't well controlled, this can increase your risk for tooth decay. If you have an extraction or other oral surgery, type 1 diabetes may slow your healing time.
However, your physician will track you closely during your initial diagnosis. You'll learn how to manage the monitors and pumps and other technology that will make you feel better.
Type 2 diabetes
You might be middle-aged or older when you get a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. If you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you have high blood sugar and low insulin levels. You need to see a periodontist and have a full exam.
A type 2 diagnosis indicates that you have a higher than normal risk for periodontal disease. Since you have higher glucose levels in your blood, you're at a higher risk for sugars in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay.
If you have undiagnosed periodontal disease or an untreated abscess, you'll also have higher levels of inflammatory markers. This can make diabetes harder to control.
Until your periodontal disease is effectively treated, you'll keep needing higher doses of medication. When your gum health is under control, you'll need less medication to keep your type 2 diabetes under control.
High Blood Pressure - Hypertension
About 75 million people have hypertension - high blood pressure. However, almost half of all people remain untreated.
If you have high blood pressure, you're at risk for serious health concerns. Hypertension does not necessarily present with immediate symptoms. Often, there are no symptoms at all until the disease is very advanced.
Untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious complications including stroke and heart attack. Your blood pressure should be taken regularly. That way, you can get medical help early.
Many women see their dentist twice yearly for a cleaning. But they may only see their physician annually - or not at all.
Blood pressure taken at your dental office can help to diagnose high blood pressure in its early stages. Undiagnosed disease can put you at greater risk of serious complications during dental procedures. With high blood pressure, even a simple cleaning can be risky.
Women with hypertension also have an increased risk of periodontal disease. Medications used to treat high blood pressure -- such as calcium channel blockers -- can cause overgrowth of your gum tissue which requires treatment.
It's important to see a periodontist for a complete evaluation of your oral health if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Acid reflux
If stomach acid moves from your stomach towards your mouth, you may be diagnosed with a condition called acid reflux. If so, you will often get tooth enamel erosion on the tongue side.
Acids from your stomach can reach the back teeth and cause this erosion. Your dentist may be the first medical professional to suspect acid reflux.
You may take medication - prescribed or over the counter - to help treat your acid reflux. However, many medications used to treat acid reflux can have side effects.
Two of the most common side effects of many acid reflux medications include taste alterations and dry mouth. Dry mouth can increase the potential for sore or bleeding gums, fungal infections, and tooth decay.
See your dentist for a cleaning at least every six months. Your dental professional might be able to help you spot emerging health issues before they escalate.
Eating disorders
A dentist may be among the first of your medical professionals to suspect an eating disorder. The first symptoms of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia often show up in the mouth and jaw.
(See Eating Disorders, Oral Observations, by Dr. Megan Ratliff to learn more about how anorexia and bulimia can affect your mouth.)
If you have anorexia, you eat too little. When you don't absorb enough calcium and other important vitamins and minerals, your teeth and jawbone can become brittle or weak. With bone loss comes decay, cavities, and tooth loss. You might also experience dry mouth, canker sores, and swollen salivary glands.
With bulimia, you habitually vomit. Along with all the dire dental health consequences of anorexia, the stomach acid you bring into your mouth from purging can erode and stain your tooth enamel. You might also experience hot/cold/sweet sensitivity, inflamed gums, and redness or trauma to the top and back of your mouth.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, reach out to a trained medical professional. While you're undergoing treatment, you can lower your risk for tooth decay and bone loss by eating healthy foods, brushing and flossing, and seeing your dentist at least once every six months. Your dentist may recommend further methods and treatments to help you with the oral changes that occur with eating disorders.
Cancer
When you've been diagnosed with cancer, the last thing you want to do is go and see more doctors. But seeing your dentist right away is a smart move.
An untreated dental issue may inhibit your ability to fight infection. Make sure there's nothing that needs to be taken care of dentally before you start cancer treatment.
During cancer treatment, your oncologist may not want you to have dental treatments. That's understandable: some dental treatments can put you at risk of infection.
That's why you'll want to ask your oncologist if you can keep your regular dental appointments. Your dentist can consult with your doctor to see if treatment is advisable. Sometimes, it's as simple as taking an antibiotic before a cleaning.
Common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation include oral sores, increased risk of tooth decay, and severe dry mouth. Most oncologists and dentists will recommend an over-the-counter oral balance gel. Gels like Biotene can help combat dry mouth.
Hygiene is the key to a healthy smile
Even if you've been diagnosed with a serious disease, keep brushing and flossing. Oral hygiene is key to maintaining your oral health. Plus, a fresh and clean mouth can give you something to smile about.
Find out how to do your own Head-Oral-Neck (HON) self-exam