When that pesky toothache pops up, visiting the dentist is typically the first thought to comes to mind – and rightfully so. Sure, a dentist is licensed to repair your cavities and examine your teeth, but did you know he or she can do so much more for you? You’ve probably heard that the eyes are the windows to the soul. In much the same way, your mouth is the window to your body and can reveal a lot about your overall health. Outlined below are just 10 ways your general dentist can help improve your health with just a simple dental exam.
If you are looking for a general dentist in the Duncan, OK area, at Chisholm Trail Smile Center we offer a wide range or preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services. To learn more, please contact our office today online or by calling (580) 255-4880.
Check for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is one of the fastest growing and harder to detect cancers. It affects the soft tissues in the mouth, throat, and salivary glands. When caught in it’s earliest stages, survival rates are good. During a routine check-up, your general dentist will check for blocked salivary glands, chronic ulcers, unexplained bleeding, and red or white patches on the tongue. He will also check your head and neck for swollen lymph nodes and any abnormal cysts or lumps.
Discover the Early Signs of Gum Disease
After checking your enamel for any signs of decay, the dentist will review your gums for pockets of inflammation, tenderness, prolonged bleeding, and redness. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the soft and hard tissues inside your mouth. When symptoms are caught early, they are easily managed and sometimes reversible. But if the condition reaches more advanced stages, it is considered chronic and usually requires more complex procedures. It is estimated that one out of every two people over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, which means it’s very common – all the more reason to keep up with those biannual visits. Because infection can spread through the bloodstream, gum disease has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and other systemic issues.
Smell Your Breath
This may seem like a weird one – but it’s true. By smelling your breath, the dentist can determine if there is something going on underneath the surface. Bad breath could be a sign of tooth decay, gum disease, lack of flossing, or poor brushing techniques. Your oral hygiene regimen should include scraping your tongue, flossing, and brushing your teeth morning and night.
Identify Oral Symptoms of Diabetes
Bad breath is also a sign of diabetes, especially when it is followed by other oral symptoms, such as swollen gums, an abscessed tooth, or gum recession. Diabetes weakens your body’s ability to properly fight off infection and can put your oral health in jeopardy. When filling out your medical history, it’s important that you include if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or any other medical condition so he can recommend the necessary treatments.
Perform Oral Surgery
Tooth extractions, dental implants, root canal therapy, and wisdom teeth removal used to be something that required the attention of an oral surgeon. Many general dentists have undergone the necessary training and certifications to provide their patients with more services so they can receive these treatments and others under the same roof.
Evaluate Your Tongue
A healthy tongue should be pink in color with small bumps (taste buds). If your tongue is geographic, swollen, discolored, painful to the touch, or has small patches – it could mean you have something more serous going on, such as oral cancer. Your tongue should be given special attention during your oral hygiene routine. Taking an extra 30 seconds to brush your tongue can remove unhealthy bacteria. Because your mouth runs about 98.6 degrees in temperature, bacteria from the foods you eat or the habits you keep can spread quickly. You may also consider investing in a tongue scraper.
Detect Sinusitis
Your sinuses sit right above your upper jaw – and when they are impacted due to the common cold, flu, sinusitis, or allergies, it can result in severe tooth and jaw pain. X-rays will be able to identify whether your dental pain is the result of tooth decay or another medical condition.
Provide Orthodontics
Correcting crooked teeth used to require a separate visit to the orthodontist. However, general dentists certified in orthodontics can also provide traditional braces and Invisalign® – making it a convenient one stop shop for all your dental care needs.
Treat Your Children
General dentists who offer family dentistry services are equipped at treating patients of all ages, including adults, seniors, and young children. This eliminates the need for having a separate medical professional for both parent and child. Oftentimes, appointments can be scheduled together all on the same day. Be sure and ask your dentist how soon you can start bringing your child.
Administer BOTOX® Cosmetic
Facial aesthetics is a new and exciting trend in general dentistry. If your dentist is certified, at the completion of your treatment you can receive BOTOX® Cosmetic injections to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. These injections have also been proven to treat TMJ disorder.
Visit Us Today
Contact our office today online or by calling (580) 255-4880. We look forward to meeting you.
