The hygienist plays an intricate role in
your oral health care. At a minimum the
role includes periodontal disease evaluation, taking x-rays and a patient’s
periodontal charting. Traditionally,
they engaged in cleaning and flossing the teeth under the theory that at healthy mouth was primarily necessary for the patient to
keep their teeth. While this is still
the case, discoveries in the last decade
have uncovered the correlation between periodontal disease and other health
related issues such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular
disease, pregnancy related problems that assigns new priorities to
the role of the hygienist and your dental visits. These
correlations have caused a new focus on evaluating a dental patient and new
signals related to their overall health.
“The American Academy of
Periodontology seeks to educate the public about research findings which
support what dental professionals have long suspected: Infections in the mouth
can play havoc elsewhere in the body. For a long time it was thought that
bacteria was the factor that linked periodontal disease to other infections in
the body; however, more recent research demonstrates that inflammation may link
periodontal disease to other chronic conditions. Research has shown, and
experts agree, that there is an association between periodontal
diseases and other chronic inflammatory
conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases
but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory
conditions.” [1]
The U.S. Surgeon General agrees that oral health is a strong indicator of one’s
overall health and well-being.[2] Often, diseases give their first warning
signs in the form of a patient’s oral problems.
Without consistent care and monitoring, several oral health problems can
result. Immediate risks include gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay, and other gum
diseases which can eventually result in various types oral cancer. There is a “silent epidemic”[3] that
can be avoided by regular treatment at home and dental visits at least twice
each year. While practicing good oral
hygiene at home is vital to your health, there is only so much that personal
oral maintenance can do. A normal person
can easily overlook conditions that could greatly complicate or even end one's
life. Thus, visiting your dentist for regular checkups is vital to a healthier smile.
"Routine dental exams uncover problems that
can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal".[4] Now that it is known that gum disease can be
a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and certain forms of cancer,
regular visits to your dentist can help prevent and treat this disease. By treating conditions early and learning from
your dentist how to prevent oral
diseases, you can achieve better health and ultimately better quality years of
life.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com
Serving residents in East Cobb, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Dunwoody,
Buckhead and surrounding communities.
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