“Open wide.” This is our foremost task after we sit within the dentist's chair, and we are able to assume that our dentist also has a task – to look at the condition of our teeth.
But on the lookout for plaque, cavities, and gum disease is barely a part of the image. Dentists have a crucial position in being the primary line of defense in identifying problems throughout the body. According to the American Heart Association, greater than 100 conditions may cause symptoms within the mouth, and dental training enables these clinicians to search for telltale signs within the teeth, gums, tongue, palate, lips, jaw, face, and neck. is
An extended list of risks
What conditions can dentists detect, and what symptoms are they on the lookout for?
Oral cancer. Rough patches, swelling, bumps, or unexplained bleeding within the mouth can indicate head and neck cancer, as can irregularities within the face, lips, jaw, or neck. Although head and neck malignancies account for under 4% of all cancers within the United States, they’re more common in older adults. “Patches of mucosa that are red or white, as well as lumps or sores, are some of the things that dentists find suspicious,” says Dr. Reddy. “It's important to see your dentist on a regular basis to pick up on these changes.” (See “Strategies to Overcome Anxiety” for Going to the Dentist.)
Diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 9 percent of Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, but an estimated 23 percent of adults who’ve the condition don't understand it. When blood sugar levels rise, in addition they rise in saliva. Bacteria in plaque feed on it, causing inflammation and bleeding gums. Diabetes may result in dry mouth and mouth infections that take longer to heal. “Some dentists do HbA1c tests. [which measure average blood sugar levels over the past three months] in their screening toolkit to better understand whether a patient has diabetes,” says Dr. Reddy.
Sleep apnea. More than 1 / 4 of American adults are thought to have sleep apnea: a pattern of recurrent respiration disorders during sleep, often accompanied by heavy snoring. If left untreated, this condition increases the danger of significant conditions similar to heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Dentists may suspect sleep apnea in the event that they notice enlargement of the tonsils, tongue, or jaw muscles. a red throat; or teeth grinding symptoms. “Because people with sleep apnea sleep with their mouths open, their mouths can become dry, which also creates an environment for oral disease,” she says.
Osteoporosis. Four times more common in older women than men, progressive lack of bone density may show up on dental and jaw X-rays. Missing and loose teeth may tip off. “With a decrease in bone density, the jawbone weakens, and the teeth lose their stability,” says Dr. Reddy.
Acid reflux. Cracked enamel on the back teeth is a crucial indicator that somebody has acid reflux disorder, and their teeth may additionally be discolored. “People can experience heartburn and not realize that gastric acid has actually reached their mouth,” she says. “They think it's just concentrated in the chest.”
eating disorder. Surprisingly, Dr. Reddy says, dentists are sometimes the primary health care providers to acknowledge symptoms of an eating disorder, especially in individuals who purge. Many individuals with eating disorders — which affect women and girls twice as often as men — engage in binge-purge cycles that don't significantly affect their weight or appearance. “Outwardly, they may not look like they have an eating disorder, but dentists can see acid-induced decay of the back teeth and enamel erosion,” she says.
Strategies to beat anxiety about going to the dentistDentists can root out our health problems – whether within the mouth or elsewhere – provided that we make an appointment. But while we would like to see our dentist every six months, many individuals consider this advice optional. According to the CDC, only two-thirds of American adults visited the dentist prior to now yr. Whether it's pain, needles or an absence of control, various features of dental care may cause reluctance to go to the dentist. So there could also be an unpleasant encounter prior to now or embarrassment about oral health. Some people don't prefer it when a dentist or hygienist leans in near their face. Some worry about how their breath smells. But there are methods you may reclaim a peaceful way of thinking while you approach the dental chair. Dr. Reddy recommends these strategies: Distraction Listen to music or podcasts through headphones. Some dentists even play music or videos to assist distract you. “Try to focus on something other than what's going on in your mouth,” she says. Relaxation techniques. Meditation can reduce stress levels, and “deep breathing can lower your heart rate and help you feel more in control,” says Dr. Reddy. are Sedation Ask your dentist if he or she will prescribe medication that can keep you calm and relaxed during treatment, similar to nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Some dentists will provide a prescription for an oral sedative that you would be able to take at home before your visit, so long as you could have someone to drive you. Bring a friend. “Having someone you trust come to the appointment with you can help ease some of your worries,” she says. |
Maximize your dental checkups
If your dentist notices signs of one other health problem, she is going to likely refer you to your primary care doctor or an appropriate specialist. But you can even make it easier for him to assemble as much useful information as possible during a dental checkup.
“This may sound basic, but often your dentist will ask if you have any health updates,” says Dr. Reddy. “Sharing your health history and any updates can be really important, and asking questions is very important.”
It's also essential to debate any health concerns together with your dentist, just as you’d together with your primary care doctor. You may imagine that an issue with one other aspect of your health has nothing to do together with your oral health, but you may be unsuitable. “Be an advocate for your own care,” she says.
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