There are many connections between dental health and overall health. Often, dentists will be the first practitioners to notice signs of diseases affecting the rest of the body. The correlation stems from the effect of periodontal disease, also known as dental disease, on the rest of the body. The bacterial infection damages the gums and bone that hold teeth in place. The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque, but it can easily be treated with proper brushing and flossing daily, as well as regular dental check-ups.

Your Medical History

It is very important to talk openly and honestly with your dentist about all aspects of your medical history, including:

• illnesses.

• chronic conditions.

• prescriptions.

• over-the-counter medications.

Heart Disease

• Oral cavities provide diseases with a direct access point to the blood stream, thereby reaching the heart.

• One recent study published by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) found periodontal bacteria in the arteries of 9 out of 15 patients with coronary artery disease.

• The AAP has also stated that periodontal treatment may improve the condition of arteries, thereby alleviating some health risks.

• Patients with endocarditis formerly took antibiotics before dental treatment; however, the American Heart Association recently stated that most of these patients no longer need short-term antibiotics as a preventive measure before their dental treatment, making it even easier for heart patients to obtain dental care.

Diabetes

• Oral health and nutrition go hand in hand, which is why diabetes patients benefit so much from regular dental care.

• Properly maintaining diabetes is very important, as poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients were found more likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled diabetics in an AAP study.

• Another study found that periodontal treatment may improve a diabetic patient’s blood count reading by as much as 20 percent, further proving the importance of regular dental care. Patients with well-controlled diabetes often can receive dental care in similar ways to non-diabetic patients.

• Patients with diabetes often have special needs. If you have diabetes, talk to your dentist about your care and treatment.

Arthritis

• In a recent AAP study of 130 people, the 65 people who had rheumatoid arthritis were more than twice as likely to have periodontal disease.

• In the same study, arthritis sufferers averaged 11.6 missing teeth, compared to 6.7 in the control group.

Cancer

• Smoking and alcohol-use increase the risk of dental disease and oral cancer.

• Sun exposure increases the risk of lip cancer.

• Oral cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticeable, white or red spot or sore on the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue, and hard or soft palate. Other signs include a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal, a color change in the gums, a lump, a small eroded area, tenderness, difficulty moving the jaw, or a change in the way the teeth fit together.

• Currently, only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years, but your dentist has the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified.

Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis and related fractures are more common than coronary disease, stroke and breast cancer.

• Management of osteoporosis may include anabolic agents and bisphosphonates, which have been associated with the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw. You should discuss this treatment with your physician and dentist to best manage your care.

• Oral health maintenance is important in patients with osteoporosis, but changes to bisphosphonate therapy would be made in close consultation with the patient’s physician.

Your Dental Routine

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an American Dental Association-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.

• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.