You might be wondering, how does oral health affect your body? You might also be wondering, why would a dentist want to evaluate a patient’s overall health whilst doing a dental exam?
Taking care of the teeth and gums is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to staying healthy. Research has shown that a dentist can detect underlying health conditions, often in their early stages, by performing a thorough exam. Many health conditions show themselves through oral symptoms, such as ulcers and bad breath.
By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you prevent dental problems. It then becomes much easier to determine when something isn’t right, and might be caused by an underlying health condition.
Dental abnormalities may show up as a result of many different diseases, including the following:
- Diabetes – Those suffering from diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease and tooth loss. Diabetes often slows healing and makes a patient more vulnerable to infection. Oral infections can further affect the body’s ability to process sugar.
- Heart Disease – Patients with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease.
- Stroke – Patients who have advanced periodontitis, have lost teeth, tissue, and bone surrounding their teeth, are more likely to suffer from a stroke.
- Cancer – Early detection of oral cancer is significant to a patient’s prognosis. A dentist is likely to discover abnormalities such as lumps/sores/growths that present in or around the mouth. At Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge, Dr. Lowery commonly provides oral cancer screenings. Chances of developing oral cancer increase with tobacco use and sexual activity, as well as consumption of alcohol and certain foods.
- Alzheimer’s Disease – Chronic periodontitis quadruples the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease cause the release of chemicals that kill neurons.
- Pregnancy Complications – Pregnant patients with periodontal disease are more likely to deliver preterm, and have children with low birth weights.
A Holistic Dentist by Chicago, IL
Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge is expanding our use of essential oils in our holistic dentistry practice. Essential oils are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in various portions of plants, such as seeds, roots, flowers, bark, and more. Essential oils are capable of benefiting people in many ways, from soothing tired muscles to easing anxiety.
We have chosen doTERRA oils because they are the only Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade oils produced. We are excited to utilize their properties in our dental office for the following purposes:
- To create a more relaxing environment
- Reduce anxiety during dental procedures
- Improve air quality
- Create a more comfortable dental experience
- Offer ways in which to use essential oils to improve oral health
Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge looks forward to customizing your dental experience and health with doTERRA Essential Oils! A basic Essential Oil Class is given every couple of months. Check our website for the next date – Pre-registration is required.
At Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge, we also diagnose and treat breathing disorders like sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be responsible for conditions such as heart attack, depression, gastric reflux, allergies, insomnia, TMJ, etc.
Your Trusted Dentist in Park Ridge, IL
Searching for a dentist in Park Ridge, IL who will care for your teeth, and your overall well-being? Contact us today and book an appointment with Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge.