Most of us may think dental awareness is all about a pretty smile, but it's a lot more than that. An unhealthy mouth, especially if you have gum disease, may increase your risk of serious health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, even preterm labor.
Jeffery Markt, DDS, dentist in the Department of Hospital Dentistry at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, says bacteria in the mouth that are not frequently removed by brushing and flossing the teeth cause most forms of dental disease. " However, some patients are born with anomalies that affect the teeth and others may acquire oral diseases such as tumors, cysts, or processes involving the lining of the mouth that impair oral function.
"Untreated dental carious lesions can become large enough to be seen with the naked eye but most forms of early dental disease are far mort subtle. Dental pain may signal the presence of a carious lesion, pulpal inflammation or infection, or gum disease but gum disease is typically not a painful process. Symptoms of gum disease usually take the form of bleeding gingival tissues, foul breath, or loose teeth," he says.
Markt says some of the microbial populations in the mouth have been implicated as being influential in cardiac, orthopedic, and prenatal health issues. "For example, patients with some types of cardiac murmurs and prosthetic joints are given antibiotic doses prior to invasive dental procedures to minimize the risk of oral cavity bacterial flora from settling on distant cardiac valves and prosthetic devices. Such precautions are thought to reduce the risk of bacterial endocarditis and joint infections following dental procedures."
As soon as a child's tooth erupts, it can be harmed by bacteria if preventive measures are not taken. Markt says children's teeth should be brushed and cleaned as soon as they come in. Parents can opt to clean newly erupted teeth with a damp cloth in lieu of a toothbrush if their child does not remain still enough for tooth brushing. "Parents should not become discouraged by their child's lack of cooperation. Even making ineffectual attempts to thoroughly clean their child's teeth will prepare the child for more successful tooth brushing efforts in the future."
The development of dental carious lesions and gum disease is a risk shared by all individuals.
Children whose teeth have not fully developed benefit from most of our city water fluoridation programs. Markt suggests that children in rural areas or cities without fluoridation programs might benefit from an analysis of their families' water supplies. "Supplemental fluoride can be prescribed for children whose drinking water fluoride levels fall below the recommended levels of 0.7 - 1.2 parts per million. Parents should beware of the fact that bottled drinking water is often not fluoridated."
Adults should conscientiously brush and floss their teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Markt says adults who have suffered gingival recession should know that exposed dental root surfaces are more prone to carious lesions than are the crowns of their teeth. "This is particularly true for those whose medications or medical conditions contribute to a dry mouth. There is chemistry in the saliva that acts to stave off the development of carious lesions. Without this protection, people with dry mouth should consider a daily topical fluoride gel regimen."
Dentistry plays a role in treatment of cancer and reconstructive care. Unfortunately, Markt says, some cancers develop in and around the oral cavity. When this occurs, portions of the oral anatomy might be removed along with the offending tumor.
"When this is done, a dentist can play a critical role in a multidisciplinary team's restoration of a patient's ability to chew and swallow. Furthermore, a dentist might be involved in the restoration of a patient's cosmetic appearance by replacing lost teeth or even the replacement of facial structures not suitable for surgical reconstruction. One branch of dentistry called maxillofacial prosthetics is involved in cancer rehabilitation and the fabrication of silicone facial prostheses."
What if you don't want to visit a dentist on a regular basis? "I would encourage you not to allow past dental experiences or innuendo to deter you from visiting a dental office," says Markt. "Analgesic and anesthetic techniques have improved so that most dental procedures have minimal or no discomfort and the rewards of having a healthy dentition are incalculable." |
