Scientists are learning more than ever about the connection between oral health and general health. New studies by the Academy of General Dentistry indicate a profound relationship between gum disease and serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke, as well as complications with pregnancy such as low-weight or premature babies. Because of these new findings, understanding and maintaining your oral health should be a priority, and Concord Smile can help.
At your regular dental exam, your dentist will not only give you the deep cleaning that your teeth need, but we will:
- Check for tooth decay
- Evaluate gum health
- Screen for oral cancer
- Check your head and neck (particularly lymph nodes)
- Check your jaw joints for signs of TMJ
- Take necessary X-rays
- Check your tongue
- Check for broken teeth or fillings
- Advise you on best practices and what needs to be done to keep you and your teeth healthy
- And more
Why Dental Exams Are Important
Because your dentist acts as your line of defense against poor oral health and first signs of disease or cancer, they are able to catch the first signs so that you can get treated earlier and more effectively. Recent studies have shown that not only can poor oral hygiene affect your general health, but oftentimes, certain diseases will manifest themselves as symptoms in your mouth. In fact, systemic diseases will have oral symptoms more than 90 percent of the time.
These diseases include:
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Oral Cancer
- Leukemia
- Diabetes
- Kidney and Heart Disease
And their oral symptoms can include:
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums
- Ulcers
- Excessive Gum Problems
- Dry Mouth Syndrome
In addition, when you have teeth that are less than healthy, you can experience serious oral complications, including:
- Receding Gums
- Cavities
- Teeth Falling Out
- Pain
- Excessive Bleeding
- Sensitivity
Maintaining your oral health is essential to staying healthy as a whole, and our general dentistry in Concord can help you do just that. By working with you on an individual level, we are able to help you understand your oral health and what needs to be done so that you can have your very best smile. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your biannual exam now!
