Common Diseases That Cause Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when your enamel gets damaged due to acid-producing bacteria. If ignored, it can lead to cavities, dental abscesses, and tooth loss.

Tooth decay can also be an indication of underlying issues or maybe the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

In this blog, our dental experts at Impressions Dentistry in Gilroy, California, discuss the common diseases that cause tooth decay.

Health Issues That Cause Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by multiple factors and, sometimes, the reason is a health complication. Below are some of the common diseases that may cause tooth decay:

• Diabetes

Diabetes is directly linked with oral health issues and affects various parts of your body. This is a condition where blood sugar levels rise due to low insulin levels, resulting in a dry mouth. 

Saliva is important for your oral health as it helps fight the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Dry mouth or low production of saliva is common among diabetic patients, making them vulnerable to tooth decay and other oral issues.

• Autoimmune Diseases

These are diseases that affect your body by making it fight against itself, that is, against certain cells and organs. Sjogren’s syndrome is one such autoimmune disease that is directly associated with oral health issues. 

Similar to diabetes, this disease also impacts saliva production and can cause difficulties swallowing and speaking. Since the amount of saliva is reduced or sometimes not produced at all, the risk of tooth decay is quite high.

Dental cavities and yeast infections like oral thrush are other health complications of Sjogren’s syndrome.

• Anorexia and Bulimia

Anorexia and bulimia are severe eating disorders that can lead to tooth decay. Anorexia is characterized by reduced food intake so as to control weight while bulimia is characterized by an excessive intake of food and then a purge to prevent weight gain.

Both conditions can result in a reduced intake of important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are required to maintain the overall health of your body, including your dental health. This leads to enamel deterioration and tooth decay.  

For more information on common diseases that cause tooth decay, call (669) 327-5623 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit Impressions Dentistry at 1325 1st Street, Gilroy, CA 95020 for your dental queries.