Oral health can tell a great deal about your overall wellbeing. For example, those with diabetes are more prone to gum disease and frequent canker sores can be a sign of severe stress or an eating disorder. Erosion of tooth enamel can lead a dentist to identify that a patient has acid reflux or even celiac disease. Sometimes, the condition of your teeth can provide more insight into your health than typical symptoms.
A recent study by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, found that some oral bacteria may be linked to the onset of pancreatic cancer. By analyzing oral bacteria samples from a large group of individuals over several years, it was found that those with pancreatic cancer had elevated levels of two certain bacteria in their mouths. Those with the bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, were found to be between 50 and 60 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. This means that dentists may someday have the ability to screen for irregularities in the mouth that could be signs of cancers in other areas of the body
According to these findings, the use of a simple saliva-swab to identify cancer-causing bacteria may be a possibility in the near future. Even though no such screening is available yet, there are still many ways to keep your smile healthy.
Aside from practicing daily dental hygiene, preventive procedures can dramatically minimize the chance of pain and illness as well. Routine cleanings are an important aspect of proper dental health. Not only do you leave the dental office with clean teeth, the in-office cleanings actually minimize oral bacteria, helping you to maintain an overall healthy mouth. Semi-annual exams also allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and suggest additional preventive measures. These preventative measures may include sealants to protect your molars and fillings to give strength to already damaged teeth. With the regular exams, screenings and cleanings, Progressive Dental can identify abnormalities in your gums and mouth, pinpoint cavities and ultimately provide you with a clean bill of oral health.
