Regular visits to your dentist for professional teeth cleanings and exams are essential to maintaining a healthy smile. What you may not realize, however, is how important these appointments are to one’s overall well-being. In fact, your dentist may be the first provider to notice signs of more serious health issues. These early alerts allow you to begin working with your doctors to manage these diseases before they worsen.

Health Issues Your Dentist Can Detect

1. Heart Disease

Studies show patients with gum disease may be more likely to develop heart disease. The inflammatory response in the gums increases the risk of inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, the bacteria that cause gum disease may travel to the heart, which can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. 

2. Diabetes

Bleeding gums and teeth that feel loose may be early warning signs of diabetes. Patients with diabetes also tend to heal slower. If you’ve recently had oral surgery, your dentist may link it to the metabolic disorder. 

3. Osteoporosis

After women go through menopause, the risk of bone loss or weakness from osteoporosis increases dramatically. Although this condition does not affect the teeth, it can impact the supporting bone structure. Your dentist may see early signs of deterioration on your annual dental X-rays.

4. Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) frequently occurs in sleep, so you may not even know you have it. During your teeth cleaning and exam, however, the dentist can spot enamel erosion on the insides of your teeth, particularly the back molars, caused by stomach acid. 

5. Dementia

As patients age, their attention to hygiene habits like regular brushing and flossing may recede as a result of dementia. Poor oral hygiene habits may increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, as well. Just as bacteria from gum disease can travel to the heart, it may also reach the brain and cause inflammation that impairs memory.  

If you haven’t kept up with regular teeth cleanings and exams every six months, it’s time to recommit to your oral health. The family dentistry practice of North Chautauqua Dental in Dunkirk, NY, offers comprehensive preventive and restorative services to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile, from teeth cleanings and exams to root canals, crowns, and bridges. Call today at (716) 366-6822 to schedule a dentist appointment, and visit them online for more information.