The state of your oral health can influence the state of your overall health, and issues with your overall health can affect your oral health. This is one reason why it is important to see your dentist regularly. A health change you might not think of as relevant to your dentist could affect the condition of your teeth and gums. Exercising good oral care can help you avoid problems like cavities and gum disease, but it can also be important if you have conditions like diabetes, or are at risk for heart disease. If you are prescribed certain medications, this could also affect your relative cavity risks.
How Taking Certain Medications Can Increase Your Cavity Risk
A side effect of some medicines is xerostomia, which is more commonly called dry mouth. Saliva is a natural ally in your fight to preserve a healthy mouth. It can neutralize some bacteria, and can help you clean out debris left behind on your teeth. If you suffer from dry mouth and do not adjust your oral care accordingly, it could lead to your needing restorative treatments for your teeth.
Gum Disease Can Affect Other Health Conditions
The health of your gums could have an impact on your general health. Gum disease can complicate matters for someone at risk for heart disease, and can make diabetes more difficult to control. If you suffer from either of these conditions, maintaining healthy gums should be a high priority. If you have developed gum disease, laser dentistry can provide advanced care to help you recover from this condition.
