FAMILY DENTISTRY

How overall health affects oral health

Certain health conditions have been shown to affect tissues in the mouth.  For example, uncontrolled diabetes can cause gum disease to be exacerbated, as well as cause delayed healing following surgical procedures, and increase a person’s risk of infection following dental work.  Pregnancy is another condition that can affect the gums, causing gingivitis (although usually only temporarily).

High blood pressure, decreased liver function and other diseases resulting in a suppressed immune system, can cause patients to have a more difficult time clotting.

Use of everyday medications can also cause oral side effects, the most common being a dry mouth or a decrease in saliva.  Patients taking blood pressure medications, antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds and anti-allergy meds should be particularly aware of this side effect, as dry mouth causes a significant amount of decay.

Contact Dr. Lawson for more information.