Can Bad Teeth Affect Your Stomach?

You might not know it but about 70 million people suffer from digestive issues. Digestive problems can range from constipation to acid reflux to irritable bowel syndrome. Some of its common causes include eating too quickly and not chewing food properly. The mouth plays a crucial role in the digestive process since this is the start of the physical and chemical digestive process. This means that your teeth and gums condition can have an impact on your digestive health. Consequently, gastrointestinal disorders can also affect your oral health. Read on as we examine the link between oral health and gastrointestinal disorders.

Poor Oral Health Can Lead to Gastrointestinal Issues

Healthy teeth and gums help you properly chew food, which leads to good digestion. Any infection, misalignment, or missing teeth can affect your ability to chew food and can lead to digestive issues down the line. There is also a link associated between the oral microbiome and digestive health. The presence of bad bacteria in the mouth can cause gum inflammation, leading to gum disease. Through the saliva, it can also travel to the digestive tract when you swallow, resulting in an imbalance in the digestive system and, eventually, digestive problems.

Digestive Disorders Can Affect the Teeth and Gums

Considering that the mouth is where the digestive tract starts, gastrointestinal issues can also contribute to issues in the teeth and gums. Below are some gastrointestinal disorders that can have a negative effect on your oral health. Read on and see if these might be the cause of your oral problems.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: More popularly known as heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD cause a bad taste in the mouth or a burning feeling in the chest. It causes stomach acids to enter the oral cavity and potentially erodes tooth enamel. To counteract GERD, some people use bismuth products and antacids which can lead to a harmless, temporary condition called the black hairy tongue. Your dentist can prescribe fluoride treatments or an oral rinse to strengthen the teeth. Remineralization treatments can address the tooth enamel wearing off.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. IBD can manifest in the oral cavity, mostly in pediatric cases. Oral signs and symptoms of IBD are mouth sores and swollen or bleeding gums. IBD prescriptions can affect dental health, with some medications causing gingivitis, tongue inflammation, and dry mouth. Patients with IBD should disclose to their dentist the medications they are currently taking. Other considerations include glucose and blood pressure levels.
• Peptic Ulcers: Peptic ulcers are sores developing in the lower esophagus, stomach lining, and small intestine. This is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects over six million Americans every year. Patients with peptic ulcers should note that some medications used for their treatment have side effects that can affect dental health. During the course of the treatment, some of these side effects include a black tongue, dry mouth, and a change in taste. Inform your dentist of any medications for possible drug interactions.

Depending on the special gastrointestinal issue you or your loved one is suffering from, changing up your diet and lifestyle can prove to be helpful in alleviating some of its symptoms. Another effective move is to take a closer look into your oral health, as it can be the culprit of your stomach issues. If you have not been attentive to your dental hygiene, now would be the perfect time to start doing so. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss at least once daily, and visit the dental clinic regularly. Look for a reputable dentist in your area to ensure that you get the best possible service.