What Can a Dental Exam in Albion Catch?

Sep 30, 2024 | Blog Posts

What Can a Dental Exam in Albion Catch?

A routine dental exam in Albion every six months is essential for good oral health. While these exams are vital for identifying the need for fillings, root canals, and additional dental health treatments, they can also catch a variety of other conditions. Here are some overall health issues that dental exams can provide preventive health care for.

Diabetes

Routine dental exams help identify patients at higher risk of developing diabetes. Gum disease is closely linked to diabetes, and the two often go hand in hand. Potential indicators of gum disease, like persistent bad breath and bleeding or swollen gums, also indicate a higher risk of diabetes. Early diagnosis of diabetes and gum disease could allow for better control and treatment, especially in an older patient.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious health concern, with over 58,000 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in the U.S. each year.[1] It manifests as lumps or sores on the gums, tongue, cheeks, or neck. Your dentist can spot suspicious areas early on during routine exams.

If necessary, your dentist will perform an additional oral cancer screening to confirm the diagnosis. Like with other types of cancer, early detection can greatly improve long-term outcomes.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a serious bone condition that often goes unnoticed for long periods, often until a fracture occurs. However, your dentist can observe early signs by monitoring your oral health over time.

Bone loss around the teeth and jaw can be a sign of osteoporosis. Other indicators, such as tooth loss, poorly fitting dentures, and gum disease, also indicate bone loss in the jaw bone. These symptoms prompt further investigation to diagnose this condition as early as possible.

Anemia

Anemia often becomes apparent through symptoms affecting the mouth. Pale gums or a smooth tongue in certain anemia conditions can be identified during an oral exam. Your dentist can identify these signs during an exam and take the appropriate next steps. They can review your medical history and current medications to look for other factors that may point to anemia.

Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), often called acid reflux, seriously impacts oral health. The acidity quickly weakens and wears down enamel, which your dentist will notice during routine exams.

In many cases, patients do not notice any symptoms, so they never seek a diagnosis. Signs such as lesions in the throat and eroded tooth enamel prompt your dentist to recommend visiting a physician for further examination.

Other Health Conditions Your Dental Exam in Albion Reveals

During a routine dental examination, your dentist may detect many health conditions. Some are rarer than others and may require further investigation to diagnose.

Your mouth may develop a variety of issues that cause sores. Herpes simplex virus outbreaks can cause canker sores and mouth ulcers which can be very painful in your mouth all lead to.[2]

Additionally, routine dental exams are essential for monitoring certain forms of gum disease. One is red band gingivitis, which is marked by a red band of inflammation in the gums. Another is ulcerative periodontitis, a rare gum disease that tends to cause the supporting structures around teeth to deteriorate rapidly.[3]

Many types of infections can also be diagnosed during a routine dental exam, with thrush being one of the more common examples. Thrush is a fungal infection that appears as white patches in your mouth and is related to a compromised immune system or the use of certain medications.

The Importance of Preventive Care Services

Tests and screenings are crucial to all aspects of health care, including oral health. Your dental exam in Albion may be key to discovering serious health problems at their earliest possible stage when minimally invasive treatment is most likely to prove effective. Schedule your next dental exam with Albion Family Dental by contacting us online or calling 585-589-9044 today.

 

Sources:

[1] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

[2] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562243/