Discovering Hidden Health Secrets: What Your Smile Says About You

June 10, 2024

A bright and healthy smile is more than just an attractive feature—it can also be a window into your overall health. At the office of Florence Family Dentistry, we believe that good oral hygiene not only maintains beautiful smiles but also supports general well-being. In fact, did you know that over 90% of systemic conditions and more than 500 medications can show signs or symptoms in the oral cavity? This is why regular dental checkups play such a crucial role in detecting diseases affecting your overall health.

Unveiling the Hidden Secrets: How Your Smile Can Reveal Health Issues

During every dental checkup at our office, we carefully review your medical and dental histories, discuss any symptoms that may have developed, and perform a thorough clinical examination to evaluate your oral health and function. We also look for signs of disease that may have originated elsewhere in the body. Changes in the appearance of soft tissues within and around the mouth, ulcerations, swelling, inflammation, bleeding, changes in salivary flow, discomfort, suspicious bone loss or asymmetry, certain types of tooth decay, and more can be indicative of an underlying medical condition.

Diseases and Conditions with Oral Manifestations

  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Blood disorders
  • Endocrine problems
  • Neoplastic processes (cancers)
  • Gastrointestinal reflux
  • Eating disorders
  • Nutritional deficiencies

A Two-Way Street: How Oral Health Affects Your Body and Vice Versa

It's essential to remember that maintaining good oral health also supports your overall wellness. Conditions affecting the teeth and gums can have consequences on the health of the rest of your body. Besides the serious threat an untreated dental infection can pose to your health, research is finding more and more links between periodontal disease and a number of medical problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory issues, and adverse pregnancy outcomes like pre-term and low birth-weight babies.

Comprehensive Care for Better Health: How We Support Your Oral and Overall Wellness

At the office of Florence Family Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of dental prevention to help patients of all ages enjoy optimal oral health. We encourage you to schedule routine checkups and professional cleanings, and contact our office should any signs or symptoms of a potential problem develop. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing personalized care that supports your overall well-being.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy smile and good oral health, supporting your overall wellness in the process!