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Dental care polishes much more than teeth

Dental care polishes much more than teeth
Checkups detect many diseases
Aug. 25, 2011

Factors that increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

Tobacco smoking or chewing
Systemic diseases such as diabetes
Some types of medication, such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs,
some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
Bridges that no longer fit properly
Crooked teeth
Fillings that have become defective
Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives

Source: American Dental Association


Free oral care

Children not covered by health insurance can receive a comprehensive dental exam, including X-rays, at no cost on Sept 2,2011 and
subsequent first Fridays of each month.
The service is offered by Dr. Parneet Sohi of Kids Cute Smiles dentistry at 2600 Euclid Ave., Corryville.
All children and parents will receive a goodie bag filled with healthy snacks, dental products and information that promotes
dental hygiene. Free follow-up appointments will be scheduled if necessary.

Appointments are mandatory. Call 513-351-5000.

Dental visits can detect more than cavities.

Dentists check for a host of health conditions when patients come in for regular visits, which is why skipping or nixing
visits can be disastrous.

"Your mouth is an indicator of general health," said Dr. Alex Abernathy of Lakeland Dental Care in Jackson, Miss.,
who has practiced dentistry for 33 years. "I've probably saved two peoples' lives."

Once, a patient's bone had a certain pattern indicating a problem. He referred her to an oral surgeon, who removed part
of her cancerous jaw.

"Untreated, it would have metastasized," he said. About 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, according
to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

On another occasion, a hygienist in Abernathy's clinic detected a "fruity odor" or ketone breath from a young male patient's
mouth. That patient was referred to an endocrinologist. He was diagnosed with diabetes that requires him to take insulin.

Dr. Steve Gandy, another Jackson-area dentist, recalls an elderly patient who had been admitted to a local hospital's emergency room.

"She is quite sharp and had minimal medical problems but had just let her teeth go into disrepair," Gandy said in an email.
That patient had developed Ludwig's angina - an infection of the floor of the mouth underneath the tongue because of bacteria.

Built-up bacteria from plaque on teeth can cause periodontal or gum diseases including gingivitis and periodontitis.

"Periodontal disease is famous for being quiet and painless," Abernathy said. "If it's obvious to a patient, it's often too late."

Symptoms of gum disease include bad breath that won't go away, red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing,
loose teeth, sensitive teeth and receding gums.

"In some studies, researchers have observed that people with gum disease (when compared to people without gum disease)
were more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling blood sugar," according to the National Institute of
Dental and Craniofacial Research. Studies have linked gum disease to preterm, low-birth-weight babies, which is why pregnant
women are encouraged to have a dental appointment.

The American Diabetes Association reports that diseases such as diabetes, AIDS and Sjogren's syndrome, which causes dryness
in the mouth and eyes, may first be detected from mouth lesions or other oral problems.

And infection from gum disease, especially in those with a compromised immune system, can spread through the body via the bloodstream.

Source:  http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110825/LIFE07/108250305/Dental-care-polishes-much-more-than-teeth