Biannual dental checkups are a leading component of good oral health. These visits allow your dentist to evaluate the health and condition of your teeth, gums, and oral and facial structures. However, they also serve as the starting point for what can lead to formal medical diagnoses. With research clearly indicating a connection between the mouth and body, your dentist may discover potential health problems that require additional treatment. Here are three that can be detected during these six-month appointments.
Diabetes
Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can be evident based on your gum health. If your tissues appear swollen, red, tender, or begin to bleed when cleaning your teeth, your dentist may suggest you have gum disease.
This common dental problem affects millions of people throughout the United States. For those with diabetes, it can be hard to combat this type of oral infection, as the immune system is weakened. If your dentist suspects you may have diabetes, they will ask how you manage your blood sugar levels. If you struggle to keep them within a healthy range, your gums will make it obvious.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a common condition that dentists are trained to detect in its earliest stages. Signs of the disease show up as white or red lesions on your tongue, soft palate, and other oral structures. You can also develop oral sores that do not heal over time.
If your dentist spots something that appears abnormal, they will recommend that you see a local professional and receive a biopsy. This will indicate whether you have oral cancer. If so, the early detection provided by your dentist will likely improve your treatment outcome.
Osteoporosis
Bone health might seem difficult to detect during a dental checkup, but your jawbone and tooth enamel are areas your dentist regularly examines and treats.
If X-rays and other digital imaging indicate bone loss, it could be the first indicator that you are struggling with osteoporosis. While it will be your dentist’s job to address resorption with bone grafting or another similar procedure, you can take this information and meet with your primary care physician to discuss treatment for this common medical condition.
Let your dental checkups be about more than just your teeth and gums. Talk to your dentist about how your overall health can affect the long-term success of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Song Ahn earned his dental degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston in 1986. As a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology and International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he is well-versed and expertly trained to provide state-of-the-art dental care to patients with all types of oral health problems. However, his primary focus remains on prevention and detecting issues before they worsen. If you haven’t seen a dentist in more than six months, visit our website or call (713) 869–9973 to schedule an appointment.
