The quality and condition of your smile can provide your dentist with important information about your overall health and well-being. When you visit your dentist for a checkup , consider talking to your oral health care professional about the link between general health problems and the health of your teeth and gums. Here is an overview of some ways that your general health can impact your oral health.
Diabetes
Diabetic patients often experience issues with their dental health. One of the major symptoms of diabetes is an increased presence of sugars in the bloodstream. These sugars will naturally travel to the teeth and gums, creating increased instances of cavities, gum disease, and mouth infections. If you or a loved one has diabetes, it is important to include routine dental checkups with your regularly scheduled health care appointments.
Oral Cancer
While oral cancer can start in the mouth, this deadly disease can quickly travel to other parts of the body. During your dental exam, your dentist may suggest that you receive an oral cancer screening. Early detection can help you create an effective treatment plan that can put the cancer cells into remission and keep your general health intact for many years to come.
Heart Disease
Heart disease may be linked to oral health problems in adult patients. If a person has increased blood vessel thickness or other heart disease symptoms, these issues may reveal themselves in the teeth and gums. After a patient has been diagnosed with gum disease, it may also be necessary to check for heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
University Associates in Dentistry is proud to be ranked as the top rated dentists in Chicago. When you are considering teeth implants or other cosmetic dentistry procedures , be sure to set up a dental consultation with our highly trained team of staff. Visit our website or give us a call at (312) 704-5511 to learn more about how we can help you keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.
