Q: Why is a dental checkup important for overall health considerations?
A: When your dentist checks the inside of your mouth, she may see things that are early signs of other problems. For instance, inflamed gums, oral infections and an abundance of cavities can be signs of heart disease. Some dentists are likely to refer a patient to a cardiologist if they see serious gum disease. Tooth erosion, as another example, can indicate an acid reflux problem, or bulimia. A burning sensation or sour taste in the mouth can also be symptoms of acid reflux.
Type-2 diabetes can first manifest itself with bright red, bleeding gums and foul breath. Gum trouble and wounds that won't heal can also be an indication of leukemia. An ammonia smell in the mouth can be a sign of kidney disease. And tooth loss can be an indication of osteoporosis, a thinning of bones, or some other bone condition. Most importantly, a regular dental visit could turn up something as serious as cancer in the mouth. So your smile is not the only concern when your dentist examines your mouth. See your dentist at least twice a year.
|
Top
