Your oral health can be affected by your overall health. There are over 120 diseases that can cause symptoms to develop inside of the mouth. Dentists today have been trained to not only identify oral problems, but they can also identify serious health problems. In fact, dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to diagnose serious health problems. Below are some examples of common conditions that can be detected during an oral examination:
Diabetes
People who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. Gum disease can also make it harder for people to keep their blood sugar under control. If your dentist notices any symptoms of diabetes, then he or she will likely refer you to an endocrinologist or primary care physician. You will likely need more dental examinations if you have already been diagnosed with diabetes.
Your dentist will monitor you closely in order to ensure that you are not developing gum disease. If you do develop gum disease, then getting it treated early will make it a lot easier for you to control your blood sugar.
Stress
Stress can cause a lot of damage to your body. It can also take a toll on your oral health. You may begin to grind your teeth when you are stressed out. You may even do this without realizing it. Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism. Teeth grinding can cause bone loss. Even though you may not notice that you are grinding your teeth, this is something that your dentist can potentially detect on an x-ray.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer has a five-year rate of about 50 percent. Early detection is one of the most important things that can be done to help boost a person’s chances of surviving oral cancer. In fact, people who are diagnosed with oral cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body have a 90 percent chance of surviving.
Your dentist may be the first person to diagnose this condition. Your mouth will be checked for unusual sores during a routine dental examination. A sore in the mouth is one of the first signs of oral cancer. People with oral cancer may also notice a white or red spot in their mouth. Keep in mind that sores can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the cheek lining, lips or gums.
It is a good idea to get an oral cancer screening done at least once a year. If you are a smoker or drink heavily, then getting regular oral cancer screenings is even more important. People who smoke or drink heavily are more likely to develop oral cancer. Your dentist will also be able to educate you on things you can do to cut your risk of developing oral cancer.
Heart Disease
It is important for you to inform your dentist if you have a family history of heart disease. People who have gum disease are more likely to develop heart attacks and strokes. However, if you have your gum disease treated, then you will be able to decrease inflammation in your body. Inflammation not only contributes to gum disease, but it can also contribute to heart attacks and stroke. Therefore, you will be protecting your heart by seeing your dentist on a regular basis.
If you live in Salinas, California and are in need of dental care, then you should definitely consider contacting TLC Dentistry. You will be able to get high-quality dental care from compassionate people. The dentists and dental hygienists at TLC Dentistry are committed to giving you that beautiful smile that you deserve.