Poor oral hygiene can raise your risk for gum disease and cavities, however, certain health conditions can also increase this risk. For example, certain autoimmune disorders such as hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid function, can also lead to gingivitis, tongue disorders, and dental decay. Here are some simple interventions your family dentist may recommend for your oral manifestations of hypothyroidism.

Xerostomia Interventions

Hypothyroidism and other autoimmune diseases can inflame or damage your salivary glands. This can lead to the underproduction of saliva and subsequent xerostomia, which is more commonly called dry mouth. When you do not have enough saliva in your mouth to rinse away bacteria, it will accumulate in your oral cavity, increasing your risk for gum disease and cavities.

To keep your mouth well-hydrated, your dentist may recommend that you drink plenty of non-caffeinated, low sugar beverages, preferably water, to help wash away oral bacteria. In addition, they may prescribe a mild, non-alcoholic mouthwash to further hydrate your oral tissues.

Chewing sugarless gum and dissolving sugar-free candies in your mouth can also promote salivary flow and help eliminate oral bacteria. Reducing your intake of caffeinated coffee and colas and alcoholic beverages can also help prevent oral dryness caused by hypothyroidism and subsequent salivary gland dysfunction.

Glossitis Interventions

Hypothyroidism may also cause inflammation of the tongue, known as glossitis. Symptoms of glossitis may include a shiny, smooth tongue, changes in the color of the tongue to a deep red color, inflammation of the tongue, and difficulty chewing and swallowing. It may also cause burning sensations of the tongue, ulcer formation, and in severe cases, difficulty with chewing and speaking. People with severe glossitis may neglect their oral care because brushing and flossing may be painful.

If you develop glossitis as a result of hypothyroidism, your dentist will recommend coming in for more frequent dental examinations and teeth cleanings to reduce your risk for periodontal disease and dental decay. In addition, a topical oral anesthetic known as viscous lidocaine may also be prescribed by your dentist to help relieve pain and burning sensations of the tongue so that you can resume your oral care regimen and chew your food without pain. 

If you have hypothyroidism, visit both your dentist and endocrinologist on a regular basis for checkups. Doing so will help keep your level of thyroid hormones within normal limits while also reducing both the systemic and oral manifestations of low thyroid function. While hypothyroidism is not considered a curable autoimmune disorder, it can be very well managed, and most people who have it enjoy favorable prognoses. 

Reach out to a local family dentist to learn more.

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