Dental health important to complete health

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. It’s a chance to remind people that dental hygiene is “more than a cleaning” but a critical part of dental wellness and overall wellness too.

Today’s dental hygienists are on the forefront of ensuring not only their patient’s dental wellness, but offering insight and monitoring indictors of their patient’s overall health as well.

Statistics show that 20 million Americans will see a dentist this year, but will not see a primary health care provider. A generally healthy person who may or may not see their doctor annually may actually spend more time – twice a year – with a dentist and hygienist, than with any other health care provider.

Though a visit to the dentist will never replace a medical examination, often a hygienist may note changes in dental health that may be an indicator of a more serious health problem.

Severe pocketing of the gums may indicate a concern about diabetes; unmanaged periodontal disease may aggravate a heart condition, or lesions in the mouth may spark a concern about oral cancer.

Dr. Nicole Gallman, a dentist with First Choice Dental’s Sun Prairie office notes the important relationship between patients and their hygienists.

“An important aspect beyond semi-annual hygiene visits is the opportunity they present to start a conversation about health,” Gallman said.

“If one of our hygienists or dentists notices a change in a patient’s oral or dental health that may be linked to other health changes or concerns, we will always recommend they follow-up with a visit to their medical provider,” Gallman added.

Dental offices such as First Choice Dental may offer the following wellness and preventive measures beyond teeth cleanings.

What should you ask for?

The following are suggested services to ask for or expect when selecting a dentist and hygienist:

• Update x-rays as needed;

• Develop complete health history that assesses early risk factors for diabetes, heart health, and other systemic health issues;

• Clean teeth to help ensure optimal dental health, avoid tooth decay and remove bacteria that can worsen decay;

• Take blood pressure if indicated by patient’s health history;

• Check for gum recession and pocketing as key changes of gum and overall health;

• Conduct exam to check for lumps or changes around the mouth as well as on throat, jaw and neck that could indicate change in health;

• Provide oral cancer screening if recommended based on patient’s health; and

• Develop a periodontal health maintenance program – can be especially important for patients with diabetes or other systemic health conditions.

Gallman says patients should remember that dental health is important to complete patient health.

“Sometimes our mouths speak volumes without saying a word,” Gallman said.

“Your dentist or hygienist can help interpret those messages and help guide you on a path to dental and overall wellness.”

Source:

The Star