Maintaining your dental health by brushing and flossing properly, along with regular visits to the dentist are the best way to keep your smile healthy and beautiful, but there are additional benefits to making sure your teeth and gums are in good condition.
When you see the dentist regularly, certain signs that signal any underlying issues can be detected. Also, when you take good care of your smile, you are preventing bacteria from traveling to other areas of your body to potentially cause systemic disease.
Exams as Screenings
When performing an oral exam, dentists will also look for possible signs of illness that can appear in the mouth. Your dentist will discuss any findings, such as suspicious sores, spots, and discoloration that may warrant further investigation, and make a recommendation for you to see your primary care physician or a specialist.
Some conditions that may be discovered first by a dentist include:
- Stress – The wearing down of teeth, as well as TMJ pain, is a sign of teeth grinding, which is often caused by stress.
- Diabetes – Gum disease that is resistant to treatment or advances quickly can be indicative of diabetes. Diabetics are also prone to developing gum disease.
- Skin Disease – Some conditions that affect your skin can present themselves in the soft tissues of the mouth. These include autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis.
- Gastrointestinal Disease – Persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth along with abdominal pain can indicate ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease.
- Oral Cancer – Dentists are trained to spot suspicious lesions that may be the first sign of oral cancer.
- Heart and Lung Disease – In the case of severe gum disease, special attention should be given to your heart and lungs, especially if you are having any correlating symptoms. This is because of the many studies that show a link between the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease, and the risk of cardiac and respiratory infection.
A Look at Decay and the Bacteria that Cause it
Bacteria originating in the oral cavity can be especially potent and feed off carbohydrates and sugars that are left behind after eating and drinking.
When these bacteria are not cleaned away regularly, they can be inhaled or absorbed into the body through small breaks in your gums or other soft tissue. This is generally a direct result of inadequate brushing and flossing and can be exacerbated by systemic illness.
Your Smile is More Important than Ever
Understanding the relationship between oral health and overall wellness makes going to the dentist all the more important. Proper dental care should be regarded as one of the steps you take to ensure your total well-being.
Our Annadale Dentist Provides Compassionate Oral Health Care for Clinton, NJ and Nearby Areas
John A. Kush, D.M.D, provides proactive preventive dental care to help you maintain, enhance, or restore your smile. For a complete evaluation and consultation, contact us today.