Who knew that your regular dental examination could potentially save your life? Many dental mishaps serve as “red flags” to dentists. Dental experts like Dr. Rick Cofer, a comprehensive family dentist, can use these signals to foresee more serious underlying health issues. Your friendly dentist in Waco not only assists you in maintaining your oral hygiene, but he plays an important role in recognizing lifestyle changes that need to be made to improve overall health. Talk about two for the price of one!
How can my oral health be linked to my overall health?
You may assume that neglecting your teeth and gums will probably only result in bad breath, but the truth is that by ignoring your oral hygiene you may actually be risking your life. Your teeth are bones that can reflect deficiencies in your diet, exemplifying the vitamins you’re lacking. The bare minimum that you may have to worry about is periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease can cause swollen gums, irritation and bleeding. The more advanced form, periodontitis, can lead to receding gums, damaged tissue/bones, and even tooth loss. And like we said, that’s the bare minimum and often the signifier that there are other health issues taking place.
Studies have shown that overlooking responsible oral care may lead to lesions within the mouth. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and diseases to enter your body such as viruses or even STDs. If you are experiencing repetitive lesions in your mouth or rubbing of the gums or cheeks, please give us a visit. Your family dentist in Waco would be happy to assist you.
Do I need to be more concerned with my dental care as I get older?
Those aren’t the only health concerns you should keep an eye out for. Poor oral care has recently been linked to other illnesses that go hand in hand with older age. Some of these include diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and anemia. Here are some interesting studies found on U.S. News-Health that exemplify the importance of good oral health, reflecting the information Premier Family Dental regularly communicates:
- In a large study tracking some 720,000 Taiwanese adults, researchers found that patients with gum disease who received treatment lowered their risk of strokes.
- Gum disease is often the reason people learn they have been living with diabetes. Hundreds of patients a year are first identified as diabetics because of their gingivitis. There are distinct oral signs on their gums, and oftentimes their dentists are the first ones to identify it.
- Advanced cases of gum disease can turn the mouth into a bacterial gateway. That way, bacteria gains access to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. One study found that such bacteria can travel to the brain, causing brain tissue deterioration that is reflective of Alzheimer’s disease.
How can I set up an appointment?
Dr. Rick Cofer is committed to making sure that your overall health is in tip-top shape. By becoming a patient at Premier Family Dental, you are taking charge of your own health. We are here to help you recognize if the lifestyle choices you are making are reflecting well upon your body. It is our great pleasure to point you in the direction of a happy, long, and healthy life to enjoy with your family and loved ones for years to come.