DENTAL HEALTH

At our annual health assessments, we ask each participant if they visit the dentist every 6 months.  We ask this as part of an overall health screening because the health of your mouth is related to many other aspects of disease prevention and management.  There are actually more than 120 medical conditions that can be detected in early stages by a dentist!  Below are a few important considerations that show how proper dental care is a part of good overall health.

HEART DISEASE

Gum disease is an inflammatory disease.  When you have a condition that causes inflammation, inflammatory agents travel through the body and are not necessarily limited to the affected region.  Having one inflammatory disease can put you at greater risk for others.  Heart disease is another inflammatory condition.  Recent research has indicated that people with gum disease are more than twice as likely to have heart disease.  Gum disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions.  If you have a personal or family history of heart disease, diligent dental care is well advised.

DIABETES

People with diabetes are more likely to develop oral health problems than those who are not diabetic.  These complications may include oral infections, slower healing, dry mouth, tooth decay or gum disease. However, those who combine proper dental care with standard disease management (insulin or other medications along with diet and exercise) are more likely to avoid gum disease.  Be sure to see your dentist regularly and contact your dentist if you notice any abnormalities such as red or swollen gums, loose teeth, bleeding during brushing or flossing, bad breath or taste in your mouth.  Make sure your dentist knows that you have diabetes, as well as any medications you may be taking.  Try to make your dental appointments in the morning when glucose levels are best controlled.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Teeth are the only part of the skeleton that is not hidden by our flesh.  As such, the teeth can provide information about what is happening with the rest of our bones.  Your dentist will not comprehensively evaluate your bone density status, but he/she might recognize a few signs of osteoporosis, including bone loss in the jaw, tooth loss or ill-fitting dentures.  Risk factors for osteoporosis include being: female, over age 50, a smoker, Caucasian or Southeast Asian, small framed.  If you have multiple risk factors, ask your family doctor for a BONE DENSITY TEST.  Weight-bearing exercise, supplemental calcium and vitamin D can slow bone loss.

TOBACCO USE

I have spoken to several tobacco users who have been avoiding the dentist for years due to embarrassment.  But it is because of the tobacco that a visit to the dentist is most important.  Tobacco users get more cavities, are twice as likely to lose their teeth, and nearly twice as likely to need a root canal.  They are also 50% more likely to experience gum disease and have a reduced ability to fight infections in the mouth and gums.  With proper dental care and regular visits, these risks can be reduced.  These risks apply to users of smokeless tobacco also, who are additionally at 50% greater risk for developing cancers of the cheek, gums and lining of the lips, all of which may be detected with regular dental visits.  If you are looking for assistance in kicking the habit, CONTACT ME.

NUTRITION

Sugar is a major culprit in the progress of tooth decay.  Try to limit refined, processed sugars or starches and choose sweet crunchy fruits such as apples and pears that will leave less sugar residue on teeth.  Swish your mouth with water after eating to release any lodged particles.  Keep teeth strong with foods that are high in calcium (low or non-fat dairy, dark greens, beans, tofu, fortified orange juice) and supplement with vitamin D to aid in calcium absorption.   Click here for information about DIET AND ORAL HEALTH.

DENTURES

Some of you wear dentures and may wonder what good a dentist can do when you don’t have any teeth!  Even when you wear dentures, it is important to see your dentist regularly.  The dentist will check all regions of your mouth, tongue, gums and under your dentures for any abnormalities that you may not be able to see.  He/She can also assist you with dentures that are not fitting properly.  Especially if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, it is important to see the dentist to check for infection in the gums or any remaining teeth.  Ask your dentist how frequently you should be seen if you are wearing dentures.

DENTAL CARE

For overall wellness, disease prevention and to avoid damage to teeth and gums, turn these practices into habits:    

• Brush teeth for 2 full minutes every morning and night.  Use a timer (some electric toothbrushes have them built in) or sing a 2-minute song.  
• Be sure to brush every surface thoroughly with a soft-bristled brush. Floss daily and follow with a rinse to remove loosened particles. 
• Visit your dentist for a regular cleaning every 6 month, or more often if you are high risk and it is recommended by your doctor or dentist. 
• See these links for detailed BRUSHING and FLOSSING instructions.