Ask The Expert: Dentistry
The Dental &
Medical
Connection by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental
I
t can happen on any typical day. My kids are once again struggling to maintain their composure as they impatiently stare at the spinning Netflix circle, eagerly waiting for the ever so frustrating buffer cycle of their anticipated show. Amongst their complaints, I find myself reminding them of times long ago when cartoons were only shown on Saturday mornings, on an immobile TV set, that required manual changing of the channels. Without sounding too archaic, I still take the time to remind them of things not to take for granted.
In this medical issue, I would like to take
inflammatory and immune responses.
and increased risk of stroke.
not taking your dental health for granted
structures integrate with oral and facial
risk of life threatening-conditions like
the time to point out the importance of in your overall health. We often think
our teeth stand alone from other health
In addition, the supporting periodontal tissues that connect the circulatory system with other organs of the body. A failure
in these structures can put other
concerns, but more and
more evidence of an oral
health and systemic health connection is coming
to light. It may not seem obvious, at first, but an astute physiological
understanding of our
Dental infections can put a patient at risk of life threateningconditions like obstructed airways or meningitis.
teeth will reveal that
systems at risk of infection
Dental infections can put a patient at obstructed airways or meningitis.
Moreover, certain disorders can also be
diagnosed through a dental examination
or malfunction.
such as oral cancer or cancers of the head
A few brief examples of this
indicate a sinus condition. Bad breath may
connection included diabetes,
in which patients are more likely to have gum disease from a
reduced resistance to infection. Pregnancy hormones can also
and neck. Generalized tooth pain can
be an indication of kidney disease or acid reflux disorders.
It is important never to disregard dental health when taking care of your overall
they are living organs comprised of
affect overall gum health. Patients with
health. Your teeth are a part of you, and
remineralization capabilities, and
more likely to have cardiovascular disease
Happy smiling!
blood circulation, nerve innervation,
moderate to advanced gum disease are
you want them to last your lifetime.
940.455.7645 | CountryLakesDental.com | 74 mcmakin rd., ste. 200 • bartonville, tx 76226
18 | 35 WEST | March 2020
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