Since the internal systems of human bodies are interconnected, it happens that one system gets affected when the other is exposed to diseases. The overall health is thus, maintained when each and every system of the body is maintained in its functioning. The same is true when the oral health is believed to be connected to the kidneys. Whatever we eat goes inside our body through the mouth where there are teeth, saliva and other enzymes to start the initial digestion of food. The complete digestion happens inside the stomach and intestines. But when nitrogenous substances are taken in as well as created in our bodies, the kidneys do the part of clearing them off the blood by filtering them out of the body. Just as it has been found that certain dental diseases cause cardiovascular disease in the last, they are also found to cause kidney diseases. The reverse is also true that patients suffering with kidney diseases are likely to suffer from dental problems. How are they connected? Given below are some of the facts and symptoms that clarify this interconnection:
Presence of Regular Unpleasant Breath
People suffering from kidney diseases often complain that their oral health is also affected to some extent. They have also felt their exhale bad, unpleasant breath most of the time and think if it may be connected to the renal disease they are suffering from. Visiting a dentist will provide diagnosis as well as treatment for the same, but the patient does need to continue taking the medication from the renal disease expert. What actually happens is that when the kidney is affected and is not performing its function in the body properly, the filtration process of blood is affected and concentration of nitrogenous substance named urea increase in the blood as well as in the saliva. With time, this urea turns to ammonia which creates a foul smell. This smell is carried up to the lungs and is breathed out. Not only this, they do have a bad taste in their mouth. It is thus, advised to get the renal as well as dental diseases served by the experts with proper, regular treatment.
Affected Gums with Kidney Diseases
When the kidneys are affected with diseases that cause infiltration of urea, it also leads to weak immune system which is highly vulnerable to infections. A common symptom found in the patients suffering from renal diseases is of getting lower volume of saliva in the mouth than usual. With dry mouth, gums and teeth are more likely to suffer from infections. Since the filtration from kidneys is affected, the nutrients that builds up strength of tooth and gums are also not absorbed properly. This is what causes the looseness in the structure of teeth. With long term neglect of such dental problems, it also happens that the teeth in the mouth start to fall with time.
Experts Advice for Oral Health Maintenance
From the description shared above, it has been made clear that the oral health is highly associated with the health of kidneys. If any of the two systems are critically affected, the other should be maintained to well off extent. Extra care of teeth and gums should be done while following critical procedures like a kidney transplant or regular dialysis. A common mistake done by people is that they just keep on taking the medication for kidney problems while neglecting their oral health. So, it should be ensured that your dentist gets to know about complications related to the kidney diseases you are suffering from. With proper care, it is possible to keep the oral health in good condition.
Leave a Comment