How Anemia Can Have an Impact on Oral Health

Blood loss is a common problem among patients and can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, it can be due to menstruation, childbirth, or from an injury. However, one of the most serious types of blood loss is from a condition known as anemia. This occurs when a person does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. When the body is not receiving the proper amount of blood and oxygen, it can lead to a number of complications, including pain in the mouth. This is because the mouth needs a constant supply of blood in order to remain healthy and function properly. If the blood begins to reduce, it can impact overall oral health and lead to issues like gum disease and can even lead to tooth loss over time. 

Fortunately, this problem can be reversed through proper treatment, allowing the patient to once again be in optimal health and avoid further complications. 

Patients can help prevent this condition from occurring by maintaining good overall health. This includes eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking or drinking excessively. In addition, they should regularly visit their dentist for routine checkups so they can find any early signs of problems occurring so they can be treated right away. 

If the problem is allowed to persist for too long, it can develop into dangerous conditions like gum disease. Gum disease results when the bacteria in the plaque that is on the teeth start to multiply and irritate the gums; this can lead to a painful infection and eventually result in the loss of a tooth if not addressed promptly.

What Are the Symptoms of Anemia?

The most common symptom of anemia is feeling tired or weak, but other symptoms can include increased heart rate and shortness of breath. You may also have pale skin and jaundice. Other symptoms include headaches, dizziness, chest pain, irritability, weight loss, depression, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, hair loss, poor appetite, and tingling in the extremities.

A blood test can confirm whether or not you have anemia. Treatment will depend on the cause of your anemia. For example, if you are diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, you may need to take a supplement containing iron. You also may need to change your diet to include more iron-rich foods.

How Can Anemia Affect Oral Health?

The condition of being anemic means that the body doesn’t contain enough healthy red blood cells for regular healthy function. Because there is inadequate oxygen in the blood, vital organs like the brain and heart aren’t receiving an adequate supply of oxygen. Inadequate oxygen levels also impact the function of other organs within the body, including the lungs and kidneys.

When a patient is diagnosed with anemia, it’s usually due to a severe deficiency of iron-rich hemoglobin in the body. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body via red blood cells. Without a steady supply of blood and oxygen, health and function can be severely impacted. Patients who suffer from anemia can experience a number of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, dizziness, pale skin, and weakness.

Additionally, the side effects of anemia can also have a negative impact on dental health. For example, when the body is deprived of oxygen, it also experiences a decrease in saliva production as well. Saliva is essential for keeping the mouth clean and preventing infection from developing. When the teeth are not cleaned properly, bacteria can build up and lead to tooth decay and even gum disease.

It’s also important to be aware that the symptoms of anemia can affect the entire body and can impair the patient’s ability to care for their teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. For patients who suffer from anemia, it’s essential that they make regular appointments with their dentist so that they can have their teeth and gums checked thoroughly for any signs of concern. 

Silicon Valley Dental Care, located in San Jose, CA, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care treatments for patients. Call us at (408) 224-1333 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more.