Your dentist’s top priority is helping you maintain a healthy smile. However, they care about much more than just your teeth. After all, your general health and dental health go hand-in-hand. There are some health factors that they should be aware of to best treat you. Read on to learn about the different health factors that you should bring up with your dentist during your next checkup.
New Medications
Some types of medications can affect your oral health. Many have side effects that make you more susceptible to things like dry mouth and gingivitis. If you are taking any new medications or supplements, let your dentist know so they can consider this. They need to take all the proper steps to keep you safe and your smile healthy.
Hypertension
If you have high blood pressure, this is something that your dentist should know about. Gum disease and other oral health issues can raise your blood pressure even further, reducing the effectiveness of the medications that you are taking.
Diabetes
Diabetes can result in widespread health issues throughout the body. Periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease, and it most commonly develops in patients who have diabetes. This infection can make it more challenging to keep your diabetes under control. Even if your blood sugar levels are well-regulated, you should still let your dentist know that you have the condition.
Digestive Problems
Did you know that dental health and gut health directly affect each other? Teeth and bite alignment directly relate to digestion. On the other hand, insufficient absorption of nutrition can take a toll on your dental health.
Jaw Pain & Headaches
Jaw, neck, and head pain are sometimes associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). If you have TMD, you may experience pain and limited movement of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. By making this apparent to your dentist, they can give you the best advice to bring you relief.
Tender Gum Tissue
The first stage of gum disease, called “gingivitis,” consists of chronic gum inflammation. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, bleeding, and an irritated appearance. The good news is that gingivitis is responsive to treatment early on. If you feel gum tenderness, let your dentist know.
Being open in communication to your dentist is necessary for you to get the possible care. If any of the above conditions or factors apply to you, let your dentist know. This way, they can take all of the right steps to keep your oral health in good condition!
About the Practice
At Washington Dental Associates, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Bergenfield community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (201) 453-4863.