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Anemia is a blood disorder that causes a decrease in the number of red blood cells. There are several types of anemia, but one of the most common is iron-deficiency anemia. This condition can also affect your teeth and lead to tooth decay and tooth loss if left untreated. This is because the body needs those red blood cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Without enough red blood cells, the body is deprived of the oxygen it needs to survive, which slows down the natural healing process throughout your body. This is referred to as "chronic" anemia.

If untreated for a long period of time, chronic anemia can lead to more serious health problems like heart disease and even cancer. Many people don't know they have this problem because they don't have any symptoms that are easily noticeable. However, common symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, weakness, and frequent colds are all possible signs of anemia that you should keep an eye out for.

How Does Anemia Affect Dental Health?

When someone has anemia, it means that they have low levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin in their bodies. Both of these compounds are essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Without them, the body cannot function properly.

When this occurs in the mouth, it can have serious consequences for oral health. The mouth needs plenty of oxygen in order to properly heal following dental procedures, such as fillings or root canals. If there is not enough blood in the body to provide enough oxygen to the tissues of the mouth, it can lead to prolonged healing times and even worsening conditions.

When your dentist notices that a patient has anemia, they will work to address the underlying cause of it. Usually, this includes treating any infections present and increasing the amount of iron in the diet. This will help the oxygen levels to increase in the blood and allow for better healing after procedures like dental implants.

While anemia can negatively impact overall health, it can specifically affect oral health. There are several reasons why those with anemia may have more tooth decay or other oral issues. For example, anemia can cause you to feel weak or tired, which can decrease your motivation to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Additionally, those with untreated Anemia can experience changes in their habits, like chewing on one side of their jaw when eating. This can lead to poor hygiene habits and teeth misalignments.

If left untreated, some of the effects of anemia can be irreversible. Your dentist will be able to recommend a treatment plan for you to help treat the Anemia and restore your health.

If you're interested to learn more, call our dentist today to schedule a consultation. You can call us at (209) 554-1700 or visit our clinic located at 1317 Oakdale Rd Suite 310, Modesto, California 95355.