Research continues to mount that shows that various health conditions can negatively affect your oral health. In some cases,they can lead to severe dental disease. Here are three conditions and the negative effects that they have on your oral health backed by science:

Sjorgen's Syndrome Can Result in Tooth Decay and Cracking.

There are as many as four million Americans who have been diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, also known as dry mouth. This particular disorder attacks the glands that produce saliva and tears. Because of the reduced saliva production, these individuals are more susceptible to oral health issues. In particular, tooth decay and the cracking of the teeth are two major concerns. With the tooth decay, it most commonly occurs around the gums, particularly when the gums begin to recede. In addition, teeth do not have saliva to keep them moist, which allows them to dry out and more likely to suffer a crack.

Stress Can Lead to Low-Quality Overall Oral Hygiene and Gum Disease.

According to WebMD, researchers have found that stress can result in gum disease. The reasoning behind this is possibly the higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and the negative impact that stress has on the immune system. According to one study, stress-related depression can lead to higher levels of cortisol and other hormones in the body, which can then potentially cause an increase in dental plaque and gingival inflammation. Plus, WebMD also states that stressed individuals are less likely to worry about their oral hygiene, which can lead to many oral health problems. Overall, stress can lead to numerous dental issues, including tooth decay, loss of teeth, bad breath and bleeding gums.

Eating Disorders Can Result in Severely Eroded Tooth Enamel.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there are over 10 million Americans who suffer from one of three eating disorders: bulimia, binge eating or anorexia. Because some eating disorders involve excessive vomiting, they can result in not only nutritional deficiencies but oral health issues as well. Teeth are likely to change shape and color, and the enamel on the teeth can be damaged from the acid in the vomit. In fact, 89 percent of patients with bulimia suffer from tooth erosion. This can eventually lead to tooth loss. Eating disorders may also cause the salivary glands to swell, which can cause dry mouth.

If you're suffering from any of these health conditions, it is crucial that you speak to a dentist, like those at Smile 1st Dental Care, about extra measures that you need to be taking to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. If damage has already occurred to your teeth, you may want to schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist to see what type of procedures are available to restore your smile.