THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR DENTAL VISITS AND OVERALL HEALTH

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits and Overall Health.
 
  It used to be that during a visit to the dentist in the bygone days, one held his breath while the dentist poked his sharp instrument into the grooves of the teeth looking for a cavity.  In my case, at least one was usually found. I went back to have the offending teeth filled with silver amalgam, and was good to go for another year or so.
 
  Fast forward to today, and you will see the dental professional in a different light.  The soft tissues of the mouth are examined, including the areas under the tongue, the throat, inside of the cheeks, the lips, and the exterior of the face and neck as well. Lastly the sharp explorer comes out to check the teeth themselves. Dental amalgam has now been replaced with many other more esthetic and healthier choices.
 
 The mouth can be an indicator that all is not well with the overall health. The dental professional will check for color, moisture level; check for lumps or bumps, and other suspicious looking lesions as part of an oral cancer exam. More than 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year.
 
 Bleeding gums can be an early indicator of gum disease, but also can even be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes or leukemia. Gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease, is the number one reason for premature tooth loss.   Emerging research links periodontal disease to other health problems including heart and respiratory diseases; preterm, low birth weight babies; stroke; osteoporosis; and diabetes.
 
 There is usually no pain associated with the earlier stages of periodontal disease, which is why the dental professional will measure the gums around the teeth and take necessary x-rays to help diagnose a developing problem. As you can see, treatments to keep the gums healthy are beneficial for the overall health as well.
 
 Of course, a healthy mouth is also important in nutrition. Without healthy teeth and gums, or comfortable, functional replacements, one is unable to chew well. This has the effect of causing the individual to avoid certain foods regarded as important to health, in favor of a soft, less nutritive diet.
 
 Today, we have the ability to place dental implants and bring a compromised dentition back up to a level of health not even possible last century.
 
 Visiting a dental professional on a regular basis should be an important part of one's health maintenance.
 
Courtesy of Dale Burgdorf, DDS, Dallas, Texas