Could my low grade recurrent tonsillitis be causing my tooth decay?Periodically I keep getting a low grade tonsillitis, and in between times my tonsils are often still producing pus, and tonsil stones. My tonsils are scarred/have pits/enlarged (in particular my left one). I try my best to keep it under control. It doesn't seem bad enough for the doctor to want to refer me to get them removed.
My dentist asked me if there is anything that I believe could be causing my tooth decay. I told her that I am fond of eating chocolate quite often, which certainly could be a contributing factor, but nothing else springs to mind, as I generally avoid other sweet foods and drinks. Though I am also wondering if the bacteria from my throat/tonsil infections could be causing the decay in my teeth?
I clean my teeth twice a day, occasionally floss (though doing that every day now since my appointment with the dentist recently), and always brush my tongue, and use mouthwash, so my dental hygiene routine is good enough I feel.
Thought?
Dave F
No the tooth decay is not related to your tonsillitis.
Decay is caused by Streptococcus mutans for the most part. Some people have high levels of S. mutans in their mouth and some people do not. Just like some people build up calculus like crazy while others do not.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is NOT good enough! That is like brushing once in the morning (hopefully after breakfast), and once at night before bed. What about the whole rest of the day?? Just about everything you eat will have some sort of sugar in it. Bread, milk, soda...whatever.
Bacteria on your teeth use the dietary sugar for their own metabolism. And as a bonus they excrete byproducts that are acidic. 30 minutes after you finish eating, the pH in your mouth drops as the bacteria release their acidic byproducts. This drop in pH is the acid that demineralized your enamel. Over time, this repeated acid produced demineralization eats a cavity into your tooth, in areas where the bacteria tend to collect and are left there because you are not brushing them or the sugar away after your meal. These areas are typically inbetween your tooth contacts and around the gumline.
Now what about the occasional flossing. Do you rally feel occasionally is good enough? It isn't! Dentists don't tell patients to floss daily because they enjoy the sound of their own voices. It is absolutely necessary for good oral hygiene.
So...it really is not rocket science. And you need not look for a mysterious or magical reason for your tooth decay. It seems pretty obvious to me.
What do you think? Answer below! Tonsillitis explained | Better Health Channel
Links to information about tonsillitis , including tonsillectomy.
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