"My teeth are fine," you say. "I don't need to go to the dentist."
That's what you might think. But a visit to your dental office might tell you more than if you have a cavity or even if you have gum disease.
Disease Detectives
Many dental hygienists and dentists routinely check for signs of common illnesses as part of your standard dental exam. When they see a potential problem, your dental healthcare team can alert you to potential problems before you're aware of them – and often can do so while the disease is still in a treatable stage.
Diseases that manifest themselves in the mouth – some before they would be readily apparent elsewhere – include:
AIDS
Diabetes
Cancer (oral and throat)
Eating disorders
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Osteoporosis
Why not make an appointment with your dental office today? While your dental team won't be able to diagnose your medical condition, they can tell you what they've observed and encourage you to see your medical doctor. |
