By: Stephanie Smith, DMD
Just as the “eyes are the window to the soul”, the mouth is the window to the health of your body. For far too long, the oral health has been considered a completely separate entity from your general health. But when there is an underlying physical condition, your teeth and gums can speak volumes about
your well-being.
More and more research is looking at the link between medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis, and if you are pregnant, you may have a baby that is born too early and too small.

DIABETES:
For many years diabetic patients have been referred to their dentist when their blood glucose levels cannot be controlled. The source is generally a previously undiagnosed tooth abscess. Once the infection is controlled, so are the sugar levels. Sally Cram, DDS, consumer adviser for the American Dental Association says, “Diabetes is the one disease that we know can have a direct impact on infections in the bones and gums around the teeth.” Uncontrolled diabetes can also reduce your body’s immune system defenses to fight bacteria and infection. That can lead to gum inflammation and even periodontal disease. Sometimes bleeding gums are the first sign that blood sugar levels are high—and your dentist may be the first person to recognize this issue and refer you for a check-up with your doctor.

HEART HEALTH:
While there is no absolute evidence of how your mouth health is related to your heart health, it is thought that the bacteria or the inflammatory reaction from the bacteria in your mouth might cause the same kind of inflammation in and around your heart and allow more plaque to build-up. The best defense here is what you’ve heard before from your dentist: brush and floss.

OSTEOPOROSIS:
Rick Kellerman, MD, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians says, “Bones are bones, and that includes the jaw. As an anchor point for the teeth, if your jaw becomes less dense and weakens, losing teeth becomes more and more likely.” Additionally, biophosphonates (which have trade names such as Fosamax) may make patients more vulnerable to certain dental problems in rare instances. So, if you take any of these medications, be certain to tell your dentist at your regular check-up. The risk of losing teeth is three times greater for women with osteoporosis than for women who do not have the disease. That’s why it is essential that women take calcium, exercise, eat right and take the necessary vitamins to prevent osteoporosis.

JUST BEING A GIRL!
When all is said and done, women in general are more prone to dental concerns because of changes in hormonal cycles, especially during pregnancy. Dr. Cram says, “We know there is a correlation between high hormone levels in the body and inflammation in the gums and surrounding the teeth.” When hormone levels are very high and plaque collects around your gums painful growths can occur. Being pregnant and having periodontal disease can present problems for your unborn child. Some studies have shown that, while the cause and effect relationship are still under advisement, there may be a link between maternal periodontal disease and preterm delivery and low birth weight infants.
So what can you do to help? Start with a complete dental check-up which should include a full mouth series of X-Rays (to check for cavities, periodontal disease, and bone levels), a complete check of your teeth and  gums, and a thorough oral cancer exam in addition to a good dental and health history review. Regular dental visits, good home care which includes daily flossing and at least twice daily brushing for two minutes each, and visiting your dentist regularly—it’s just as important as keeping any of your other doctor appointments. In fact, your dental appointment is not just about cleaning your teeth. It’s important for your overall health.

Drs. Stephanie and Kevin Smith founded Distinctive Dentistry of Chester County in 1990 to promote high quality, state-of-the-art dentistry to the discriminating patient. The doctors graduated from the world-renowned University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1987 and 1986 respectively. After working in a typical “family practice” where insurance policies were treated with more respect than patient care, Distinctive Dentistry of Chester County was opened. From the moment that you walk in the door at Distinctive Dentistry of Chester County you will realize that you are the most important person in the office and that this is a place where your needs come first. Whether you come to our practice for prevention, restorations that will leave your teeth looking naturally flawless, or esthetic dentistry for a smile of singular distinctive beauty, we want you to be glad you chose us to be your dentist.

At Distinctive Dentistry, we think about your health and good appearance in everything we do.

Distinctive Dentistry of Chester County is conveniently located at the corner of Rts 926 and 202 in West Chester, PA.

Call 610-399-1080 today to schedule your consultation.
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Testimonials:
“Before becoming a patient at Distinctive Dentistry of Chester County I’d never believed that I could afford the perfect and beautiful smile I’d always wanted. But after having the most thorough dental exam I’ve ever experienced, working out a plan, and most important for me: being able to have all the work done in one office without ever having to travel from specialist to specialist, I have healthy teeth, my headaches are gone, and I feel proud every time I smile”                     ~ P.C.