In many people’s minds, medicine and dentistry are often separated. The truth is, though, that oral health is part of overall health. In fact, dentists are deeply interested in the head-to-toe wellness of their patients. Plus, they are deeply aware of the mouth-body connection. They might even be able to find signs of some systemic health conditions before your primary care practitioner provides a diagnosis! What are some specific medical conditions that your dentist might find first? Here are a few:
Diabetes
Diabetes is often regarded as a “silent” disease until it becomes quite severe. However, it can often cause noticeable oral health symptoms, such as dry mouth, gum inflammation, and gum disease. If your dentist notices that you are struggling with such issues and you have other risk factors for diabetes, they are likely to recommend that you visit your primary care practitioner for further testing.
Anemia
Tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath are common indicators of anemia, a condition where a person does not have enough red blood cells. Anemia can also affect your smile. If your dentist notices that the lining of your mouth is unusually pale, or that your tongue no longer has its typical bumpy texture, they may suspect that you are anemic.
GERD
GERD is a condition that occurs when stomach acid creeps up into the esophagus. It can erode dental enamel and create lesions toward the back of the mouth. Many people are aware that they have GERD due to the fact that it causes heartburn. Others, though, are unaware of their GERD because it only occurs when they are asleep. Their dentist might be the first one to identify the problem.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis does not come with any obvious symptoms. If you visit your dentist regularly, though, routine X-rays might reveal weakness in your facial bones, which might mean there is bone loss in other parts of your body.
Dementia
Dementia can be very subtle at first. Often, though, it has a big impact on oral health. You might forget to brush your teeth. If your dentist sees signs of poor oral hygiene along with other risk factors for dementia, they might recommend that you undergo a thorough memory evaluation.
Hypertension
If you need to undergo a dental procedure, your dentist will likely check your blood pressure before your treatment begins. If your blood pressure is unusually high, you might need to see your primary care practitioner to talk about steps you can take to manage the problem.
Your dentist is an important part of your medical team! Visit them regularly so you can protect your overall health.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Philip Batson and Elizabeth Abe are proud to provide top-quality dental care for families in Columbia, MO. They offer a wide range of services, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care. As experts in how oral health affects the rest of the body, they are always ready to help patients take steps to improve their overall health. To learn more about how they may be able to serve you, contact Columbia Healthy Smiles at 573-875-7071.