I have one body. Let’s take that further… I have one body that works as one single, mostly well-oiled, machine. So why do my wellness team members work in silos? I have a medical doctor, periodontist, dentist, chiropractor, optometrist, and naturopath – all who rely on me to deliver pertinent information between them.
I guess the real question is, why would anyone think that I am qualified to know what information is critical from one medical professional to the next? I mean, I don’t have a dental or medical degree, so the chances of me delivering the most accurate information are pretty slim. Sure, I can let my periodontist in Mississauga know that my blood sugar is high, but beyond that, I would be hard-pressed to answer any questions. Or, I can tell my medical doctor that my gums are starting to recede… but does she need to know that?
There are so many medical factors that influence our dental health, and vice-versa, that it is impossible for me, a mere writer, to understand what is important and what isn’t when it comes to my health care. What I do appreciate is that Dr. Quyen Su at Periodontal Associates in Mississauga takes the time at each appointment to ask me leading questions that I can respond to in a somewhat knowledgeable manner. Plus, she gives me clear instruction on the information to share back with my medical team regarding my dental health.
Periodontal Associates and Dental Health and Overall Health: Creating A Multi-disciplinary And Patient-Centric Approach To Dental And Medical Care
After all, your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, so it makes sense that any bacteria present in your mouth, has a chance of causing damage elsewhere. Let’s look at some of the more common connections between our dental and medical health.
- Cardiovascular Health: Researchers have found is that the same bacteria responsible for dental disease is prone to sticking to the fatty plaques in the bloodstream, which could contribute to blockages. These bacteria trigger an inflammatory response in the body (like it does in the gums), and causes reduced blood flow due to swelling, which leads to the risks of clots putting you at risk for cardiovascular disease.
- Diabetes: Certain diseases, such as diabetes, lower a body’s resistance to infection, making those living with the disease more prone to oral health problems and often the dental issues more severe.
- Osteoporosis: Those with osteoporosis often report bone loss in the mouth, leading to loose and lost teeth. Certain medications used to treat osteoporosis might carry a small risk of damage to the bones of the jaw.
- Medications: To understand the impact medications can have on your oral health, it’s first important to understand the role saliva plays in your mouth. Saliva is like your body’s natural toothbrush, preventing food from sticking to your teeth neutralizing acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Some medications cause “dry mouth,” significantly limiting the body’s ability to create saliva.
So, next time you’re at one of your doctor’s appointments, take the time to understand what you might need to share with the other health practitioners in your life. The information you share might just save you future health-related problems.
Your comfort matters to us, so we invite you to visit our periodontal practice in Mississauga and speak with our team of experts in periodontal disease. As experts in periodontal treatments, specializing in dental implants, gum recession, crown lengthening, bone and gum grafting, the Chao pinhole surgical technique and more, we’d love to help you address your dental and smile concerns. Call us at 1-800-341-7471 or connect via email at [email protected]. Until then… keep smiling!
