When you come in for your dental visit, you may notice that we do a lot more than examine your teeth & gums. One of the most important parts of your visit is when we ask you questions about your general health. But many people have said to us:
"What does that have to do with my dental check up?"
The answer -- a lot!
More and more research is being published linking dental health to overall health, and at DeLand Smiles, we are concerned about both!
A recent study by Columbia University concluded that "Gum disease is an early complication of diabetes." It continued to say, "70% of adults see a dentist at least once per year"-- this is a perfect opportunity to screen for diabetes and other diseases. According to a recent article in The British Dental Journal, it works the other way around too, as gum disease can be a contributing factor in heart disease, oral cancer, and other illnesses.
Are you taking any medications, either prescription or over-the-counter? Many of these can lead to dry mouth, gum inflammation, and other dental problems. And it's even more complicated for women, as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives can cause many changes in dental health. (Isn't everything more complicated for women?)
So the good news is, unlike a visit to your physician - you get to keep your clothes on and won't be poked and prodded anywhere other than your mouth! But as you can see, it is extremely important that we know about your total physical health and any medications you are taking. Not only can we save your teeth -- we may actually save your life!
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