Your Dentist Could Prevent Heart Disease!
A new study published by NYU showed that nearly 20 million Americans visit a dentist annually, yet they do not visit a general healthcare provider. The research also showed that 26 percent of children surveyed did not see a general health care provider, yet one-third of them (nearly 7 million children), did visit a dentist at least once a year.
The findings of the study suggest that dentist can play a vital role in identifying systemic disease which may otherwise go undetected.
During a dental examination, dentists and dental hygienists take a patient’s health history, check blood pressure, take x-rays, and make clinical observations. These are all important steps in detecting a patient’s risk for systemic illnesses such as diabetes and heart conditions. Many symptoms of system illnesses are present in the mouth and may be detected by a dentist during routine examinations.
Not only are some conditions detected in the mouth, some actually begin in the mouth! Periodontal disease has been linked to other health concerns such as stroke, respiratory disease and multiple types of cancer.
Because many diseases are better treated upon early detection, it is important to see both your general health physician and your dental health physician at least once a year.
If you would like to know the state of your periodontal health and oral health, please contact the periodontal specialists of Detroit today! It could not only help save your teeth, but it could help save your life as well. We are available by phone at 248-357-3100 or on the web at www.drnemeth.com.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sections/dentistry/