Taking care of your teeth means brushing, flossing, and making regular visits to your dentist's office. However, sometimes things happen that can impact your oral health that are out of your control. If you have one of these three conditions, you might want to start visiting the dentist more, as they could be having a negative impact on your teeth and gums.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious problem for people's teeth. While most people think of diabetes as being just a condition that triggers high blood sugar, that high blood sugar level could be impacting your gums, too.

People who have diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. This is because high blood sugar allows bacteria to thrive, and also leads to tissue inflammation that can trigger gum disease. 

Acid Reflux

Did you know that your heartburn could be destroying your teeth? It's true. Severe heartburn, or acid reflux, is a condition where stomach acid doesn't stay where it's supposed to. The acid can damage the esophagus and your mouth, as well as your teeth.

If you have acid reflux for long enough - especially if it's uncontrolled - your teeth can experience acid erosion. Over time this can not only destroy your tooth enamel but it can also cause sensitivity or pain.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease where bone density drops. Unfortunately, this includes the bones in your jaw, as well as your teeth.

Your jawbones play an integral role in keeping your teeth healthy and in place. When the bone is strong, your teeth are supported on all sides. However, as bone cells begin to die off and aren't replaced, this hold can weaken, leading to teeth becoming wiggly and ill-supported.

This is a big problem because teeth and the jaw work to support each other. The pressure sent through a tooth when you bite down on it helps to keep the jaw strong, and that keeps teeth in place. Your teeth can't deliver the full impact, however, if they're not touching your jaw bone anymore. So the problem will continue to get worse rather than better.

If you have one or more of these conditions, it's important to see a dentist regularly. Work with your general physician to do your best to control the symptoms of these three conditions to help protect your teeth. Ask your dentist how often you should come in based on you having these conditions to help ensure that your teeth are treated and protected if they start to develop any problems early on.

For more information on dental health, visit a dentist in your area like those at Naas Family Dentistry.