Can anemia be one of the causes for teeth decay?

Question

Hi doctor,

So, my teeth have been severely decaying for the past six years. It all started around six years ago. I had dental decay on my front incisors. I am not sure if that is what it is called. I was young, and we are classified as a lower-middle-class family, so due to budgetary constraints, I was unable to file or book an appointment at a dental clinic. Now, as the year progressed, it has gotten worse. I can not even smile in pictures, or else I will get laughed. Six decays are visible on my upper teeth and seven on my lower teeth. I regretted not scheduling a dental checkup when I was younger.

I would like to have an online consultation and hear your thoughts on my teeth and what I should do. I hope you can help me, and thank you in advance for your assistance. I have been diagnosed with anemia ever since I was a kid. I think it is also a factor in why my teeth have been worsening every year. Also, I do not drink alcohol and smoke or vape.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Dental caries occurs due to a complex interaction between bacteria, fermentable carbohydrates, and many other factors, including teeth and saliva. As you mentioned that your teeth are decaying, there could be multiple factors for that, such as; diet, excessive and frequent intake of sugar products increase the chances of tooth decay, dry mouth (xerostomia), and the reduction or absence of saliva increases the chances of tooth decay. Lack of oral hygiene also increases dental caries risk. Patients who do not follow proper oral hygiene habits are at greater risk of developing dental caries.

As you mentioned that you are suffering from anemia, this could also be a factor for tooth decay. I would request you to answer the following questions; how many times in a day do you brush your teeth? Do you have a frequent habit of taking sugar-related products, especially before going to bed? Is there any kind of pain or sensitivity that you might have experienced? Were your deciduous teeth (milk teeth) also decayed? When did you start experiencing tooth decay, just after their eruption or after some time? If you have siblings, are they also experiencing the same problem?

I would suggest you go for dental investigations such as intra-oral periapical radiograph (IOPAR) or orthopantomogram (OPG). I suggest you do the following measures to control decay; mouth rinse with 0.2 percent Chlorhexidine mouthwash, brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, avoid sugary food, and consult your physician for anemia treatment.

Revert to me after getting the X-rays for further treatment.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.