From heart problems to bone disease, there are a lot of different conditions your dentist can alert you to during an exam. Good dental health is a direct reflection of overall health. Therefore it is of ultimate importance that you see your dentist on a regular basis.
Not only can a regular six-month dental check-up reveal certain health problems, but they may also prevent them. In fact, a new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association found that people who received regular teeth cleanings and scrapings had a 24 percent lower risk of heart attack and 13 percent lower risk of stroke compared to people who didn’t get much dental care. Here are 5 different health problems that your dentist can spot.
Dementia
Poor dental health and gum disease may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, a new study from the University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry suggests.
Although past studies have suggested a link between oral health and dementia, this is the first to pinpoint a specific gum disease bacteria in the brain. The researchers speculate that this is because gum disease bacteria might get into the brain and cause inflammation.
Heart Health
Gum disease is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The bacteria that infect the gums, cause gingivitis, and periodontitis also travel to blood vessels elsewhere in the body where they cause blood vessel inflammation and damage. Tiny blood clots, heart attack, and stroke may follow. Supporting this idea is the finding of remnants of oral bacteria within atherosclerotic blood vessels far from the mouth.
Though the link between dental health and heart health is not completely clear, experts say it’s important to take care of both. Experts do agree that there are plausible reasons why dental health and heart health may be intertwined. For example, inflammation is a common problem in both diseases.
Diabetes
Many people who have diabetes are unaware of it. What they also don’t know is that a routine dental exam can uncover the presence of this disease. Dentists play an important role in spotting undiagnosed diabetes and helping to manage the dental effects of the disease. Early detection is important because when left untreated, diabetes can lead to a number of serious health complications.
If you are living with diabetes, you need to pay attention to your oral health and dental care. Visit your dentist regularly for advice about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Osteoporosis
Researchers have discovered that dental x-rays are highly effective in identifying patients who have osteoporosis as compared to patients with normal bone density.
Since most people see their dentist more often than they see their doctor, your dentist may be the one to help identify low bone density. Low bone density is an indicator for osteoporosis. Don’t forget your regular visits to the dental office. Your dental professionals don’t just help you to maintain good oral health we encourage you to keep up your overall health as well.
Nighttime Reflux
Reflux of stomach juices can happen at night but you may not be aware of it until your dentist sees its effects on your dental health. Your stomach produces natural acids that help your body digest food. Sometimes, these acids travel up the throat and into the mouth, especially after a large meal. Ordinarily, our saliva rebalances the acid levels in our mouth and everything’s fine.
But for those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux or GERD, gastric acids reach the mouth throughout the day. This process is especially damaging when you’re asleep since you are swallowing less often and your mouth is producing less saliva. Acid reflux can wear away the enamel on the inside surfaces of your teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces. Your dentist may notice this during an exam.
Regular six-month dental exams and cleanings are the best way to diagnose, prevent, and eliminate these health problems. Give us a call to schedule an exam today at (915) 778-4681.