Between oral and overall health, your body works as a system. Oftentimes an oral health issue can signal a problem that requires the attention of both professions. Oral health problems can often signal serious systemic illnesses. How dentists can help physicians detect problems:
Diabetes and Gum Disease
Over 360,000 Wisconsinites have diabetes. Those with the disease are at high risk for developing gum disease. And it’s a two-way street. Gum disease makes it hard to control blood sugar levels, which can compromise overall health. And because symptoms are sometimes subtle, diabetes can go unnoticed for years. The mouth offers several early signals of the disease, and your dentist is trained to spot these warning signs.
Whether you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic, take control of your oral health. Diabetics with gum disease who receive appropriate dental care are healthier and often experience a reduction in blood glucose levels.
HPV and Oral Cancer
HPV, human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. and world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s estimated that 90% of adults have been exposed to some form of HPV. Of the 200 strains of HPV, nine are associated with cancer. One strain in particular is strongly associated with oropharyngeal cancer.
Your dentist is often your first line of defense when it comes to spotting oral cancer. Dentists check for signs during a routine exam. It’s important to stay on top of your preventive care visits with your physician and dentist.
Dry Mouth and Prescription Medications
Many of the prescription and over-the-counter medications we take every have the side effect of drying your mouth, and this can increase your risk for dental problems. Saliva is an important tool for protecting your oral health. Saliva acts as a natural irrigation system washing away bacteria and food particles. It also carries minerals that help rebuild the enamel surfaces of the teeth. When you don’t have enough saliva, gum disease and tooth decay can happen much more easily.
Your dentist can review your medication history as well as look for signs and symptoms of dry mouth. If detected, many times alternative prescriptions can be recommended or prescribed by your physician to reduce this side effect. Your dentist can also recommend ways to reduce the risk of dental problems when prescription alternatives are not possible.
