Overview
Even though dental procedures are often considered separate from other parts of your health, there is no question that oral wellness plays a vital role in your overall medical condition. Therefore, when you visit your dentist for cleanings, fillings, or extractions, you are also taking steps to ensure that the rest of your body does not suffer from diseases associated with your mouth. Interestingly enough, medical conditions that affect other parts of your body can also have an affect on the health of your teeth and gums.
Why Procedure Is Used
There are many different kinds of physical illness that will have an affect on your mouth. For example, if you have a suppressed or weakened immune system, there will be an increased risk of developing oral infections and abscesses. Aside from this, certain medications can lead to an increase in dental problems. For example, if you have an organ transplant, or need to have chemotherapy to treat cancer, the medications can weaken your immune system.
Patient Concerns to be Addressed
Today, there are also a number of medications that can cause a dry mouth. This in turn can increase the prevalence of yeast infections and tooth decay. You may also notice that foods taste differently.
How Procedure is Performed
When you visit your dentist, he/she will look for indications that some illness is causing problems with your oral health. Depending on the situation, your dentist may do some tests in the office, or recommend you to a different kind of specialist. IN some cases, if you have a particular health condition, it may also require specialised dental care.
Perils of Disease
There is no question that a relationship exists between the health of your mouth and the rest of your body. As may be expected, this relationship can go both ways. Consider situation where you are diabetic. If your blood sugar is not adequately controlled, it can cause dental problems. Today, many researchers are also discovering connections between gum disease and heart disease. In addition, there may also be links between periodontal disease and premature births.