Bring Up These 6 Health Factors at Your Next Dental Checkup

Even though your dentist and your doctor have separate offices, the line between your oral health and bodily health is not so clear-cut. In fact, your mouth is very interconnected to the rest of your body. That is why it’s important to share your medical history and any recent health updates with your dentist, so they can provide the best care possible. Here are 6 health factors you should mention during your next dental checkup.

1. Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

Start with the basics! How do you take care of your teeth every day? Do you floss daily? How often do you brush? Maintaining a healthy smile begins at home. Giving your dentist the inside scoop on your daily oral hygiene routine will give them insight into your level of risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and other potential issues.

2. Gum Tenderness and Bleeding

Tender and bleeding gums are common symptoms of the first stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. If you notice your gums bleeding, especially after brushing or flossing, be sure to let your dentist know. Gingivitis can often be successfully treated when it’s caught early on. When gum disease is allowed to progress unchecked, it can permanently damage teeth and lead to serious health problems.  

3. New Medications

Certain medications can affect your oral health in ways you might not expect. For example, dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription medications. Chronic dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

4. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common chronic cardiovascular health conditions. Hypertension can be difficult to get under control if you don’t have healthy gums. Recent research has shown that people with severe gum disease may be twice as likely to have increased blood pressure.  

5. Diabetes

This chronic disease, which affects how the body turns food into energy, can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes, feet, nerves, and more. In addition, research has found that the most severe form of gum disease often develops in diabetic patients. Fortunately, diabetes can often be managed well with medication and guidance from a doctor. However, you should still let your dentist know if you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes.

6. Pain in Your Jaw and Headaches

Finally, tell your dentist if you are experiencing frequent headaches or persistent pain in your jaw or neck. These types of discomfort are often connected to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the point where your jaw connects to your upper skull. A custom oral appliance from your dentist may be able to provide effective pain relief.

Dentists care about more than just the health of your smile. They want you to have great overall health too. Bringing up the 6 health factors above at your next dental checkup can help you maintain a healthy smile and body!

About the Author

Dr. Matt VanderMolen has over 30 years of experience helping Springfield residents maintain healthy smiles through preventive dentistry. A recipient of the prestigious Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. VanderMolen leads the expert team at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield. To learn more about the connection between oral and overall health, visit the Advanced Dental Care of Springfield website or call 217-546-3333.