The primary cause of tooth decay in both children and adults is poor oral hygiene. But did you know that dental issues such as tooth decay can occur due to other reasons other than poor oral health? Sometimes, tooth decay can be a sign of something bigger happening in your body.
When you visit a dentist in Philadelphia, they will be looking at more than just the state of your teeth. You may have wondered why dentists ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle. It’s because they want to have a clear picture of what could be causing your oral problems. Here’re some common diseases that cause tooth decay.
Diabetes
Scientists have documented the relationship between diabetes and tooth decay. Unregulated blood sugars affect many parts of your body, including your mouth. One primary symptom of diabetes is the absence of saliva that causes dry mouth. Besides keeping your mouth lubricated, saliva also protects the teeth against harmful bacteria. Lack of sufficient saliva in the mouth makes your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay.
Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune disorders are a large family of diseases where the body attacks parts of itself. Some of the autoimmune conditions, such as the Sjogren’s syndrome can affect the mouth. Like diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth leading to a dry mouth. It has the same effects as diabetes. If you have any of these health conditions, you may need to visit a dentist in Philadelphia more than the recommended two times a year to stay on top of your oral health.
Absolute Smile has an exceptional team of dentists that can help in diagnosing most of these dental problems. Visit their website http://www.myabsolutesmile.com to learn how they can help with your dental condition.
