Sadly, there are many medical conditions that can attack your smile and alter your oral health, which is why it’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums if you have any type of illness. Five of the most common medical conditions that can alter your oral health in Kirkland, Washington, include:
–Chronic kidney disease: Chronic gum disease can affect your oral health by causing bad breath. It can make your breath smell like fish or urine. If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to visit your doctor right away.
–Stomach ulcers: Stomach ulcers themselves can’t affect your oral health, but the ulcer medication can. It can cause a black tongue, which can be a scary sight to see. However, there is nothing to worry about. The side effect will go away once you are done with treatment.
–Diabetes: Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar. It can also affect your smile by increasing your chances of developing gum disease. This is because the condition alters your immune system’s ability to fight infection. Diabetes can also cause tooth decay and tooth loss. To prevent these dental issues, make sure to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and rinse daily.
–High blood pressure: Like stomach ulcers, the medications that help you cope with high blood pressure can affect your oral health. They can cause gingival enlargement, which is a condition that involves your gums swelling and growing over the teeth.
–Acid reflux: Acid reflux can harm your smile by eroding your teeth. This is the case because the stomach acid that comes up is extremely strong. It can dissolve the outer layers of your teeth and promote tooth decay and tooth sensitivity. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to rinse your mouth regularly with water. Please don’t brush your teeth right away. Doing so can make the problem worse.
To learn how to take good care of your smile while you have one or more of these medical conditions, please remember that you can always call Radiant Smiles Family Dentistry at (425) 828.9721 at your earliest convenience. Our dental team is here to help you in any way we can. We also encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Danlu Lee or Dr. Wendy Yeung if you have any concerns. We look forward to hearing from you!