Looking out for a good dental office is an important component of health care. The health of your teeth and gums is very important and it can affect your entire body.
Many people think that a dental office is not as important as a medical doctor. This isn't true. The health of the entire body is affected by the health of the teeth,
gums and mouth. The mouth always contains bacteria and if allowed to get out of control, the bacteria can spell trouble.
Gum disease and cavities may occur and the infections can spread throughout the body. Not only can oral diseases lead to other health concerns, the mouth can also be an indicator of other challenges that haven't yet been detected.
Here are some health concerns that are linked to the teeth, mouth and gums:
Premature birth has been linked to gum disease. A baby born too early is much more prone to birth defects, learning disabilities and even death
Heart disease and clogged arteries have been linked with periodontal disease. Cardiovascular problems may lead to stroke, as well.
Osteoporosis leads to bone loss and may first show up in the teeth and jaw bones. The dentist may be the first place for this erosion of bone to be detected. If left untreated, osteoporosis can leave a person more susceptible to broken bones as well as cavities.
Mouth sores are sometimes the first sign of HIV/AIDS. White spots may appear on the tongue or inside of the mouth, as well. The dental staff is trained to look for these red flags.
Oral cancer may be detected by the dentist's staff, as well. When a patient's mouth is cleaned, the cheeks, tongue and lips are checked for any unusual lesions or tumors that may be cancerous.
Diabetics are at a higher risk for oral health issues than the regular population. The loss of a tooth, increases the chances for gum diseases and cavities
Sexually Transmitted Diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea may be detected in the mouth before symptoms are detected in other regions of the body.
Substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs, may leave tell-tale signs in the mouth to notify the dental staff that this patient may need help.
The best way to keep the teeth, gums, and mouth healthy is with regular oral hygiene.
Teeth and tongue should be thoroughly brushed twice a day. They should also be flossed every day in order for the gums to remain healthy, and to keep bacteria from building up in these areas. A visit to the dental office for a checkup and cleaning should be performed annually or every six months.
