You may be surprised to hear that some of the problems that can be found during a dental visit have been linked to heart attack, strokes, and cancer. Many people rely on their dentist for cosmetic reasons (to maintain their appearance), or if they have a dental emergency, such as a terrible toothache. However, visiting your dentist regularly is an important part of your overall health routine. A dentist can identify and help prevent some major medical issues that may go overlooked by other physicians. Here are some of the risks, signs and symptoms that you should be aware of.
Oral Cancer
Statistically, one American dies every hour from oral cancer. The great news is that there’s a 90% cure rate if it’s detected early. That’s why regular visits to your dentist are vital. At Preston Dental Center, one of the most effective FDA-approved oral cancer screening systems, VELscope, is used to examine tissues and identify problems early. This screening could literally save your life!
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep, multiple times per night. Snoring is one of the trademarks of sleep apnea; it indicates that the throat or tongue is blocking the airway and a person literally has to gasp or wake up to get the air they need. Sleep apnea puts a tremendous strain on the heart and brain, due to the continual interruption in oxygen flow, and has been linked to headaches, snoring, heart attacks and strokes. Treatment, once diagnosed, typically results in an oral appliance worn at night. These appliances have a 96% success rate. Not only does this treatment help you avoid major medical risks, but it improves the overall quality of your sleep, resulting in feeling well-rested and energized.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets. Periodontitis is the result of Gingivitis that goes untreated. Gum disease, surprisingly, has been linked to health problems such as stroke and heart disease. Diabetes is not only a risk factor for gum disease, but gum disease may make diabetes worse. Seeing your dentist for preventive care is the best medicine, but if you have already been diagnosed with gum disease, there are alternatives to gum surgery. Preston Dental Center offers a new, painless method called Perioprotect, a form of laser gum treatment.
Visit the Preston Dental Center website to learn more about the technologies and improvements Dr. Mayes can make in your health: http://www.prestondentalcenter.com/index.php
