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The importance of oral health
A healthy mouth is about more than just an attractive smile. A persons quality of life can be significantly affected by poor oral health and untreated oral diseases. In many cases, the condition of the mouth reflects the condition of a persons general health. Recent studies indicate a relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease, stroke and pre-term low-birth-weight babies. Likewise, more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations, meaning your dentist may be the first health care provider to recognise a health problem.
According several recent report on oral health, a large percentage of the populations of developed nations suffers from a reduced quality of life due to oral and facial pain. This pain is largely caused by infections of the gums and can lead to tooth loosening and eventual loss. More than 75 percent of these populations are affected by some type of periodontal disease or gingivitis.
Other reports are now indicating that mouth infections can affect major organs. One example is bacterial endocarditis, a condition in which the lining of the heart and heart valves become inflamed. Poor mouth care also can contribute to oral cancer, a cancer which is unfortunately becoming more prevalent.
In addition, poor oral health affects the digestion, which begins with physical and chemical activities in the mouth. These problems can lead to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, intestinal failure and other problems.
The symptoms from other diseases are often reflected in mouth tissues; in fact many diseases can be diagnosed in their early stages through an oral examination. These diseases may manifest symptoms such as swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems. Some of these diseases include diabetes, leukemia, cancer, heart disease and kidney disease.
People who visit their dentist on a regular basis (every six months) have a much greater chance of these diseases being identified in their earliest stages. It also is important to provide your dentist with a complete medical/dental history and relate any recent problems, even if they seem unrelated to your mouth.
What can my dentist do?
Regular examinations allow us to keep your mouth in tip-top shape and watch for developments that may point to problems elsewhere in your body. A dental examination also picks up on poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. Good dental health is an important part of your overall wellbeing.
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