Dentistry's MouthBody Connection

By Daniel R. Melnick, DDS

Did you skip out on your dental checkup this winter because the weather was particularly harsh? Well the winter is over and it's time for your check up and spring cleaning! Skipping dental checkups and cleanings may seem harmless to some, however, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, research shows that 90% of all systemic diseases can be detected in the mouth. Signs and symptoms here may have consequences throughout the body. This means that a well-trained, medically-oriented dentist may be the first to recognize systemic disease and put you on a pathway to stop it in its tracks.

Periodontal Disease

This is a condition in which oral bacteria build up around the teeth in high volume and can cause the breakdown in the supporting structures of the teeth. If allowed to continue, periodontal disease may result in the loss of gum attachment and the loss of foundational bone. As a result, teeth may become loose and fall out. In fact more teeth are lost in this country from gum disease than from tooth decay. Patients with periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. They also show an increased risk of stroke and respiratory disease including bronchitis, COPD, and emphysema.

Diabetes

Diabetics are three times more likely to develop periodontal disease and are at higher risk of tooth loss. Research shows that the more teeth a person loses, the lower the ability to chew food efficiently, which may lead to GI irritation.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Tooth grinding is a common symptom of patients who suffer with obstructive sleep apnea. OSA is a condition in which a person has blockage in their airway at bedtime. They are unable to have a rhythmic free flow of air into and out of their lungs. They commonly snore and may even stop breathing for 10 seconds or more several times an hour. As a result, these patients are not getting rest but are putting enormous strain upon their bodies. They have increased risk of heart attack, stroke, weight gain, diabetes and other maladies.

TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)

Could a misaligned bite be the cause of recurrent headaches? Patients born with misaligned bites or who develop changes in their bite as a result of substantial dental care or tooth loss may wind up with uneven biting forces. This may cause muscle strain in the muscles that open and close the jaws. The body detects this strain as a headache. There are several ways to eliminate TMD related headaches.