Telltale Teeth-Many Health Problems are Rooted in Your Mouth

With the start of every new year, people start thinking about taking better care of their health. To help you get the ball rolling, if you haven’t already, February is American Heart Month, National Children’s Dental Health Month and Eating Disorder Awareness Month. For Dentist Damon Jenkins DMD, MPH these health awareness campaigns have one very important thing in common: the connection between dental health and many medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and eating disorders. What your dentist sees in your mouth can provide telltale signs of what might ail you.

What’s happening in your mouth, for example, can affect your heart. About 47% of the population suffers from periodontal disease, a condition that affects the gums and potentially your heart and lungs. When you have periodontal disease, bacteria build up under the gums and can get into the bloodstream, increasing the possibility of an infection in the heart, that can damage heart valves and lead to a life-threatening condition. The bacteria under the gums can also invade the upper respiratory tract and cause complications, like pneumonia. With regular oral exams and treatment, your dentist can help keep your heart healthy.

A dentist can also tell if you suffer from gastrointestinal disorders such as acid reflux or eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia. All of these conditions cause acid erosion of teeth enamel. “For my patients new and established, I use photographs,” said Dr. Jenkins. “I show patients the changes in their teeth, and I ask about changes in their diet, if they are suffering from acid reflux or an eating disorder. People should seek help for these conditions, not only for their oral health, but for overall wellness.”

Once teeth are damaged by acid erosion there is nothing that can reverse it. Some prescription toothpastes help rebuild enamel and mineralize teeth, but more invasive treatments may be necessary and will vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Dr. Jenkins notes that people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those people who are undiagnosed or don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.

“Periodontal Disease is a chronic infection,” explained Dr. Jenkins. “When diabetes is poorly controlled, healing is compromised especially with infections. Diabetes increases the chances for advanced gum disease.”

Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways - periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

A final word of wisdom from Dr. Jenkins for National Children’s Dental Health Month: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Brush, reduce sugar intake, stay away from acidic drinks like soda. Make sure children see the dentist regularly to keep their teeth healthy and make dental hygiene a priority for their entire lives.”

Dr. Jenkins belongs to the American College of Prosthodontics (ACP), American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and two study groups: Spear Education Club and Seattle Study Club to ensure he stays informed of new dental research and techniques.

Jenkins Dental in Coventry, CT is a restorative dental practice dedicated to the oral health of patients of all ages. As a specialist in Prosthodontics, Damon T. Jenkins DMD, MPH, can restore function and beauty to a patient’s smile. Using the latest research, the best quality materials and state of the art instruments, the practice offers implant restorations, crowns, bridges, veneers, partial and full dentures. The office is located in a historic gristmill at 2991A South Street in the picturesque Bynes’ Falls. Visit us online at www.bynesfallsdentistry.com or call (860)742-6665.