How Health Issues Increase Cavity Risks for Children

Everyone agrees that it’s crucial to instil in our children the daily practice of using mouthwash, flossing, and brushing. After all, germs are constantly growing in our mouths. Without a regular oral hygiene practise, germs may grow and transform into dental calculus and plaque, which can only be removed by Children Dental Center Indianapolis IN. And sometimes, despite Childrens Dentist Indianapolis IN best attempts to assist our children in maintaining their teeth’s health, dental decay might appear. However, your child’s risk of dental decay and cavities may rise if they have a chronic health condition. What you should know is as follows.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder or Food Anxiety (ARFID)

A healthy diet is essential for our bodies to function properly. Without sufficient and balanced diet, we are more prone to infections, weariness, illness, and poor performance at work or school. Children who lack access to (or refuse to consume) a healthy diet may struggle academically and endure developmental delays, in addition to becoming ill more often. In addition, some kids have picky eating habits and may not obtain enough nourishment over time, which may damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of dental decay.

Acid Reflux/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD happens when stomach acid regularly rushes back into the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. The lining of your oesophagus might get irritated by acid reflux, which acts like a backwash. But acid also damages enamel and may change the pH of the mouth. Therefore, your kid may be more susceptible to tooth decay if they have GERD or acid reflux.

A heart disease and a stroke

Poor dental health has been linked to greater incidence of heart disease and stroke, according to studies. According to some scientists, the bacteria that causes gingivitis and periodontitis may enter the circulation and inflame and harm the blood arteries in the heart and brain. A heart attack may result from fatty plaques blocking a blood artery that travels to the heart. They may trigger a stroke if they go to the brain and cut off the blood flow.

Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)

Diabetes is a chronic medical disease that has an impact on how the body eats and converts food into energy. Sugar levels in the saliva might increase if diabetes is not well managed. Sugar interacts with the bacteria in your mouth to produce acid when you consume sugar-rich meals or drinks. This acid then contributes to tooth decay by gradually eroding dental enamel and leaving holes in the teeth. Therefore, extra sugar may stay in the body and on the teeth when the body is unable to efficiently convert food into energy, raising the risk of dental decay.

Dry Mouth

We need saliva for good dental health. You may not be aware of this, but the saliva in our mouths helps to wash the germs that thrive there away. Just as it sounds, dry mouth happens when saliva production is subpar. Mouth breathing, autoimmune illnesses, sleep apnea, and other problems may all cause dry mouth. Even certain prescription drugs have the potential to induce dry mouth. According to Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN, the danger of dental decay rises if the mouth does not produce enough saliva to wash away the germs, which stays on the teeth for a longer period of time between brushing and flossing.

Throat and head cancer radiation

Patients who undergo radiation therapy for head and neck malignancies must also have dental care. Radiation exposure may result in dry mouth, salivary gland damage, and mouth ulcers. Some people struggle with taste loss, while others battle jaw stiffness and bone and tissue loss in the jaw.

Cleft Lip and Palate

When a baby’s mouth or lip do not grow correctly in pregnancy, it results in a cleft lip and cleft palate. Cleft lips and cleft palates were linked to aberrant salivary glands, according to research done in late 2016 and published online by the Journal of Dental Research. As we previously said, salivary glands secrete protective immunological substances that assist to maintain a healthy equilibrium of salivary acidity. Additionally, saliva assists in washing away harmful microorganisms. Therefore, as per Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN, persons who have a cleft lip and palate may not have enough salivary glands, which might increase their risk of getting a cavity.

Sjogren syndrome

Dry mouth and eyes are symptoms of the autoimmune disorder Sjogren’s syndrome. Many people have a consequence from another autoimmune disease, including lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Certain meals may be difficult for those with Sjogren’s Syndrome to chew, and brushing may be painful. Thrush may also result from the situation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hippocrates advised tooth extraction as a treatment for arthritis, demonstrating the long history of links between dental health and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers think that the same bacteria that cause tooth disease inflammation may also cause rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, stiffness and discomfort may lead to jaw pain, making it more difficult for arthritis sufferers to floss and clean their teeth.

Lupus

Patients with lupus are more prone to get persistent ulcers and lesions on the lips, tongue, and mouth, as well as severe gum disease. Additionally, the autoimmune disease targets the salivary glands, and some of the drugs used to treat it might result in dry mouth.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological disorder, may cause jaw muscles to become rigid, making it difficult to chew and swallow. Choking risks might rise as a result of this, and infections can develop as a result of saliva building up in the mouth. Parkinson’s patients are also more likely to have germs that may enter the bloodstream and is linked to severe gum disease.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Brushing and flossing may be challenging for those who have Lou Gehrig’s disease, commonly known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS weakens muscles and impairs physical ability. Additionally, a buildup of saliva in the mouth may result in bacteria and plaque formation, which can result in pneumonia, gum disease, and cavities.

Huntington’s disease

The gradual death of brain nerve cells brought on by Huntington’s disease impairs the ability of the hands and arms to move. It has been shown that patients with the disease have much more decaying teeth than those who do not. Additionally, they may clench and grind their teeth, which may cause discomfort, tooth fractures, headaches, and TMJ issues.

In case of any early signs of cavities in your kid, immediately contact Kids Dentist Indianapolis IN.