A simple visit to Metropolitan Dental Care could lead to better overall health and may even save your life! Symptoms for many systemic diseases often manifest inside the mouth, leaving evidence that some dentists can identify. Our Denver dental office offers patients a variety of oral health treatments and diagnostic tools, including early detection of oral health conditions, as well as some systemic diseases.
How does my oral health affect my physical health?
Tooth decay can lead to gum disease, also called periodontal disease. Then, gum issues may result in bad bacteria entering your bloodstream through the soft tissues of your mouth. Fortunately, the good bacteria in your mouth fight bad bacteria that could cause infections.
When we find gingivitis, periodontal disease, or tooth decay during your routine dental office visits, we offer treatment that can help prevent serious health issues, including:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Osteoporosis
- Low Birth Weight
- Respiratory Infections
The Bacteria Battle in Your Mouth
Bad dietary choices and poor oral health can affect the natural microbiome of your mouth. The bacteria levels in your mouth promote either good or bad health.
When bad bacteria in the mouth travel to your bloodstream, plaque may form within your blood vessels, which can lead to endocarditis, heart attack, and/or stroke. Likewise, a lack of good bacteria in your mouth leaves your immune system susceptible to bacterial pneumonia, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and chronic bronchitis.
Which health issues can be detected in the mouth?
Oral health issues can also be a symptom of underlying, serious health issues, including:
- Kidney Disease
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart Attacks
- GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
- Anemia
- HIV
- Osteoporosis
During your visit to our dental office, your dentist may spot concerns early by detecting certain symptoms. For example:
- A sore jaw or mouth may be an early sign of an impending heart attack.
- A saliva test can diagnose pancreatic cancer early, by the presence of certain bacteria.
- Having a dry mouth or bleeding gums could indicate kidney disease.
- Pale gums, tissues, or a smooth tongue may mean that you have early anemia.
- Bad breath or bleeding can signal the early stages of diabetes.
- Bone density loss, gum disease, or tooth may be caused by osteoporosis.
- Oral lesions and tooth decay that’s above-average are often a sign of GERD or acid reflux.
- Thrush (oral yeast infection) detection can lead to an early diagnosis of HIV.
General health recommendations call for one annual appointment with your general doctor and two appointments with your dentist. If you routinely visit your dental office for exams and screenings, you are more likely to catch these issues.
What can I do to maintain good oral health?
Good oral health creates a strong foundation for good physical health. The best way to maintain a healthy mouth is to regularly see your dentist for checkups and follow the recommended oral hygiene plan.
Your daily oral hygiene routine should include:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day.
- Flossing your teeth at least once a day.
- Rising your mouth with water after eating sugary snacks or meals high in starch. (This helps wash away starches and equalize the oral pH level.)
- Drinking at least eight ounces of water, six times a day.
- Using mouthwash regularly.
- Avoiding tobacco products.
When you follow these recommendations, you should enjoy better oral and physical health.
If you have more questions about your oral health or you’ve noticed unusual symptoms, don’t worry. Our team at Metropolitan Dental Care will help you restore and maintain great dental health. Make an appointment to visit us at our dental office in Denver, CO. You can call us today at 303-534-2626 or make an appointment online.
