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
info@rightsmilecenter.com
Serving residents in East Cobb, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Dunwoody,
Buckhead and surrounding communities.
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