What a Routine Dental Exam Reveals About Your Health

We all do it. We get a list of required and recommended screenings and diagnostics from our doctor and spend the next day or two cherry-picking among the options, deciding which to schedule first and which to put on the back burner.

We factor in things like family history and the last time we had a particular test. When we can’t figure out how to schedule another appointment, we may even question whether we need to follow through on a screening or test. 

Jose Marcano, DMD, at the Orlando Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, explains why you shouldn’t put your routine dental exam on the back burner. It may just be one of the most important appointments you have ever scheduled.

A view into your overall health

You may think that placing such a high priority on a dental visit is a bold statement. After all, is your oral health all that important when you compare it to things like blood pressure screenings and diagnostics for breast and prostate cancer?

A routine dental exam isn’t just about checking for cavities, gum disease, and proper teeth alignment. Your mouth provides many clues to what’s happening in other parts of your body. Most people visit their dentists more often than their primary care doctor, so routine dental exams are an essential disease prevention and health awareness strategy for your overall health.

The way it works is your mouth is teeming with tons of bacteria, which are mostly harmless. But it’s not just that your mouth is a haven for germs. Your mouth leads to two crucial systems – the digestive and respiratory tracts, which include several key organs that keep the body functioning properly. Since the mouth is located so precariously, bacteria from the mouth can spread to other parts of the body.

Existing or developing oral health issues

Routine dental exams are a great way to stay on top of existing issues and potential future problems with your teeth and gums, such as:

• Cavities or breaches in your dental enamel
• Gum disease, which is the No. 1 cause of tooth loss, puts you at two to three times greater risk of experiencing cardiovascular issues. Gum disease is also linked to several types of cancers, such as cancers of the lung, prostate, and gastrointestinal tract.
• Tooth alignment issues, which make good at-care oral care challenging, putting you at a higher risk for cavities and gum disease
  Oral cancer, a screening for oral cancer, is part of every routine dental exam.

But that’s not the whole story.

Symptoms of systemic health problems

Did you know that over 100 systemic conditions produce oral symptoms? These systemic conditions include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastrointestinal issues. But the benefits of routine dental exams don’t stop with uncovering emerging systemic health problems.

While your dental provider performs a thorough examination or reviews dental X-rays, they may discover signs of overall health issues you need to address, such as:

• Poor nutrition
• Bone loss
• Stress

Dr. Marcano and the highly skilled professional team at Orlando Center For Cosmetic Dentistry are committed to providing exceptional dental care in a relaxing, compassionate setting. Dr. Marcano is passionate about allaying his patients' fears and working toward being a primarily “drill-free” cosmetic and restorative practice.

If it has been a while since your last routine dental exam, don’t let a busy schedule or dental fear put it off. Contact us at Orlando Center For Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Click the online booking tool, text, or call the office today at 689-220-2651.