For many people, bad oral habits are the main culprits of their cavities. Out of all the potential causes for cavities, black mold is one of the lesser-known reasons. Black mold can have a drastic impact on oral health, but how can black mold cause dental issues? For children and adults, the more exposure there is, the worse your sinuses get and create a higher risk of developing dental problems in the future. Mold has a tricky way of affecting the body, and we’re here to warn you about the early signs of black mold and what you can do to protect your oral health.

Black Mold and Dental Issues

Black mold can be a sneaky offender for oral health because it can grow through leaks in roofs, windows, pipes, and grow pretty much anywhere there is moisture. Any place in the house could have black mold, and the signs of a black mold infestation show these common signs:

    • Chronic coughing

    • Irritated Eyes

    • Runny Nose and Throat

    • Rashes

    • Chronic Fatigue

    • Persistent Headaches

These persistent spores will first affect the sinuses, and because of their porous nature, they can cause the spores to get lodged in the mucus membrane and cause burning, swelling sensations that bleed. The membranes respond to the foreign substance by swelling up, causing the nose to close up, leading to breathing difficulties. These breathing difficulties then lead to mouth breathing, where the connection lies between black mold and oral health.

Mouth breathing presents severe problems for a person’s oral health because by breathing in these toxic spores constantly, this form of breathing causes the mouth to become dry, which reduces the production of saliva. This reduction of saliva leads to the mouth becoming more susceptible to cavities. Saliva has a vital role in washing away bacteria and food particles in the mouth. Over time, when saliva decreases, it can cause dry mouth, which has a high risk of developing cavities. Even with basic oral hygiene, cavities become more prevalent in houses infected with black spores.

What Can You Do To Protect Your Teeth

Black mold over time can cause irreversible damage to your health if not removed, and the body can become more susceptible to diseases when it is unable to recover and heal. To help protect your family and your oral health, we suggest the following:

    • Leave the Environment – By leaving the environment and arranging for a mold removal service, you can better protect your oral health and avoid more spore exposure.

    • Visit Your Physicians – Dentists, periodontists, and ENT doctors can help provide long term treatment from the damage present after black spores.

    • Clean Your Home – Regularly cleaning your home, as well as your teeth, can help prevent the regrowth of mold and keep your home life clean.

Black mold can be challenging, but removing the mold can best protect your oral health and keep you and your family healthy. For more information about how to better care for your teeth, contact Dr. Ruth Roach Morgan and Dr. Jessica Morgan Vaughn at Dental Solutions of Mississippi in Canton, MS, for an appointment.