PDA Stresses Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health
This entry was posted on 11/13/2007 2:30 PM and is filed under ARTICLES.
Researchers have long been examining the link between oral health and overall health. In fact, more than 2,000 years ago, it was Hippocrates who suggested that removing an infected tooth could cure arthritis. It's not news that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body and that the mouth oftentimes is the location used to diagnose, make a prognosis, treat and intervene on a host of diseases. The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) stresses the importance of recognizing the connection between oral health and overall health, and maintaining good oral health as part of sustaining good overall health.
"Many of my patients ask me why they have problems with their teeth," said Dr. Bruce Terry, a PDA member and endodontist from Wayne. "They brush twice daily, but they don't see a dentist until they have dental pain or a broken tooth. I have to explain to all of my patients that annual visits to the dentist are not just to get your teeth polished. Dentists are trained to look for many systemic diseases just by looking into someone's mouth. Eating disorders and stress related tooth grinding are easily spotted during an oral exam. A patient complaining of a dry mouth can suggest many problems that require possible medical attention. Dental radiographs don't just show cavities, they can also show early signs of osteoporosis. Going to the dentist can literally save your life!"
