Common health conditions and their treatments can increase your oral health risk. When harmful bacteria breeds in your mouth, it can increase your risk for many health conditions or make them harder to manage.
Dentists are one of the few healthcare providers that routinely screen patients for oral cancer. Also, dentists are in a unique position to screen for hidden conditions such as diabetes, cancer heart disease and eating disorders. They can refer you to an appropriate medical professional and help you treat these conditions before they become more serious.
Anxiety and stress cause an increase in the hormone cortisol, which can increase inflammation and accelerate the progression of periodontal disease. In addition, many medications used to treat anxiety and depression have oral side effects that can increase your oral health risk.
Were you aware that you should visit a dentist at least four weeks before cancer treatment begins to get an exam and any necessary dental treatment? This is important to help minimize or avoid the impact of some side effects of cancer treatment on your mouth.
Research shows that individuals with dementia have higher rates of tooth decay, periodontal disease, dry mouth and facial pain. People with missing teeth may also be more likely to develop cognitive impairment, dementia or Alzheimer's than those without missing teeth.
Diabetes increases your risk for periodontal disease by up to three times. In addition, periodontal disease elevates blood sugar levels, making diabetes and related problems harder to manage. On the other hand, studies have shown that properly treated and maintained gum disease significantly lowers blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Oral symptoms of eating disorders are often evident in as few as six months. If you suspect someone you love is facing an eating disorder, it is important to encourage them to visit the dentist regularly to promote early detection or treat oral effects of the condition.
The first signs of an emerging gastrointestinal (GI) condition are often in your mouth. Your dentist may be the first healthcare provider to suspect a GI disorder.
Researchers estimate that up to 90% of renal patients will show oral symptoms. In addition, bacterial infections like periodontal disease can impact your ability to fight kidney disorders.
Low body mass index (BMI) may leave the jawbone more susceptible to bacteria. This may explain why many individuals with osteoporosis have more severe symptoms of periodontal disease.
While there's still more to learn about the connection, periodontal disease has been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight children. Also, did you know that newborns are three times more likely to develop tooth decay if their mothers have significant untreated decay during and after pregnancy?
The first signs of an emerging respiratory condition are often in your mouth. In addition, researchers believe that the bacteria that cause tooth decay and periodontal disease may increase the risk of lung conditions or aggravate their effects.
Sleep apnea can affect your oral health in a variety of ways. Your dentist can be a great frontline resource to identify early signs of this condition.
