How Your Deviated Septum Can Cause Oral Problems

If you have a deviated septum, you may experience loss of smell and taste, headaches, post nasal drip, facial pain, and nasal inflammation. While these are some of the most common symptoms of a deviated septum, there are less common symptoms that you may notice inside your mouth. Here are some ways a deviated septum inside your nose can cause oral problems, and what you can do about them:

Periodontitis

When your nasal passages are obstructed because of a deviated septum or otherwise, you may be unable to breathe through your nose. Because of this, you may need to breathe through your mouth, which can cause oral dehydration.

If your mouth becomes too dry as a result of dehydration, infection-causing bacteria and fungi can accumulate inside your oral cavity, raising your risk for gum disease. Long-term oral dryness can even heighten the risk for a severe type of gum disease known as periodontitis. Not only can this type of gum disease cause inflammation and bleeding of your gum tissue, it can also cause destruction of the bones that support your teeth and tissue necrosis of your gums.

If you develop bleeding or inflamed gums, you will need dental services as soon as possible. If you have a deviated septum, your dentist will determine if you are at risk for developing periodontitis, and will implement an effective treatment option to help lower your risk.

Dental Abscess

A deviated septum can significantly raise the risk for developing bacterial and fungal sinus infections and post nasal drip. When infection-causing microorganisms from your nasal mucus persistently drips down your throat, you may develop a severe tooth infection known as a dental abscess.

If you develop a throbbing toothache, inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a tooth, or a bad taste in your mouth when you bite down, see your dentist as soon as possible. These symptoms may indicate the presence of a dental abscess, and if not recognized and treated promptly, may raise your risk for developing strep throat or a serious systemic infection.

If you have a deviated septum, work with both your physician and dental services professional. Working with both of these healthcare professionals will help reduce your risk for complications such as periodontitis, a dental abscess, strep throat, and serious systemic infections. If systemic infections are not quickly treated with the appropriate antibiotic, significant complications such as organ damage and cardiovascular problems can quickly develop. 


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