Everyone knows they should brush their teeth at least two to three times a day. However, most of us to not understand that this simple habit not only can prevent a bad simple but other mouth conditions. Along with mouth diseases other problems of the body can occur. These problems are often ignored or just not known. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, oral cancer, and/or mouth sores they can cause other problems that don’t just involve the mouth and your smile.
Periodontal disease
The most common signs of this disease are red, swollen and/or bleeding gums. You may also have bad breath or very sensitive teeth. In the beginning stage of this condition it is called gingivitis. When at the beginning stage of gingivitis this condition can be reversed. Once it has processed to periodontal the problems associated with it many are chronic. This can affect the entire body. The possibility of heart disease and/or a stroke is increased in patients experiencing this. The inflammation of the gums will cause the other inflammation responses in the body, thus resulting in the increased risk. A woman that is pregnant and has this condition is more likely to have a preterm delivery.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is very serious. Some of the warning signs include white and red patches in the mouth and, sores or blisters in the mouth and trouble swallowing. The biggest risk factor of developing this is tobacco use. Like any type of cancer this can be deadly. It might need to be treated with chemotherapy or surgery. The surgery can lead to permanent disfiguration of the face, mouth or neck. The chemotherapy can make you sick. However, about the cure rate is at 75% if it is detected early. This is another reason why regular check ups with a dentist is important.
Mouth sores
The most common mouth sore is a canker sore. These sores are round or oval and are often located under the tongue or inside the cheek. Most canker sores will heal themselves in time and are reality harmless. However, if you have reoccurring episodes of canker sores seeing a dentist is advised. The cause of canker sores are relativity unknown but there are some clues. A diet lacking in a certain vitamin many increase canker sores. These vitamins include B12, folic acid or iron. A diet lacking in any of these can led to many health issues. Some diseases that include increase risks of getting canker sores are celiac disease, Behcet’s disease or inflammatory bowel diseases. Each of these conditions comes with their own health problems.
Seeing a dentist regularly is the best practice. Brushing and flossing can help bacteria from forming. Mouth conditions can cause other health problems or be signs of unlying undiagnosed health conditions. Periodontal disease, oral cancer and mouth sores are just three of the most common mouth diseases not to ignore.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/canker-sore/DS00354/DSECTION=causes
http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/infectiousdiseases/Oral-cancer.htm
http://dentistry.about.com/od/issuesandemergencies/a/importantbrush.htm
http://dentistry.about.com/od/toothmouthconditions/tp/10-Common-Dental-Problems.htmhttp://cancer.about.com/od/oralcancer/p/oralsymptoms.htm
