Regular visits to the dentist are important to maintaining good overall health. While dentists ensure that their patients have clean teeth and healthy gums, they also screen patients for other diseases and are often the first professional to alert patients to conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease. dentist in Manassas are an important part of every patient’s health care team.
Gum disease is often an indicator of diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than those without the condition. As dentists examine their patient’s mouths, they look for signs of gum disease and may refer their patients to their medical doctor for a diabetes screening. Patients with diabetes who develop gum disease or whose gum disease worsens may at risk for diabetic complications due to the increase in blood sugar caused by the periodontal condition.
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the density of bones. While it is commonly associated with the bones in the spine and hips, osteoporosis can also affect the jaw bone. When the jawbone loses density, patients are likely to lose their teeth. The dentists in Manassas know how to recognize changes in the bone structure from x-rays and may refer their patients to their doctor if they are losing teeth due to osteoporosis. Older patients who have diagnosed osteoporosis may have problems with their dentures as they continue to lose bone density in their jaw.
Periodontal disease may also be related to cardiovascular conditions. Treating infections in the mouth can improve a patient’s overall health and reduce the amount of bacteria in the body. The sooner a dentist recognizes and starts a treatment plan for a patient’s gum disease, the less likely the bacteria will be to cause additional health problems. Patients with know cardiovascular problems should inform their dentist because treatment may need special dental treatment.
Keeping scheduled dental appointments is important for everyone, whether or not you have been diagnosed with other medical conditions. In addition to keeping your teeth clean and healthy, your dentist will look for other problems that may indicate serious health issues that should be addressed by a medical doctor.
