According to the American Nutrition Association, 70 million people suffer from digestive disorders. Digestive problems vary greatly from constipation, to acid reflux to irritable bowel syndrome. Many of them are caused by eating too quickly and not chewing your food thoroughly.
Your mouth plays an essential part in the digestive process, it’s where physical and chemical digestive processes start. Which means that not only does your oral health have an impact on your digestive health, but similarly, gastrointestinal disorders can affect your oral health.
Here’s how 3 gastrointestinal disorders can have a negative effect on oral health.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Heartburn)
Known as heartburn, in causes a burning feeling in people’s chest or an unpleasant taste in their mouth. It happens when your stomach acids enter your oral cavity and they can also erode your tooth enamel. These acids are similar to alkaline and get cause a great chemical erosion.
If you suffer from this disease, talk to your dentist. He care prescribe oral rinses or fluoride treatment toothpastes or rinses that will help strengthen your teeth. Be sure to tell your dentist of any medications your taking, since certain medications might cause him to alter his prescription to help avoid possible side effects.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affects around 3 million Americans. It can cause mouth sores, bleeding or swollen gums and infections. Prescribed medication for IBD can also negatively affect your dental health with things like gingivitis, dry mouth and tongue inflammation.
If you suffer from IBD, inform your dentist about it as well as any medications you might be taking. That way your dentist can take your medical condition into consideration when administering dental care.
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the small intestine, lower esophagus or lining of the stomach. It’s a common disorder, affecting over 6 million in the U.S. every year.
Usually, peptic ulcer disease doesn’t affect your mouth by itself. But certain peptic ulcer medications have side effects related to your oral health. Possible side effects include black tongue, dry mouth and changes in taste. Talk to your dentist about treatments tailored to help you deal with those side effects.