 |
Oral health mirrors overall health
| The importance of oral health |
|
Oral health means more than just an attractive smile.
Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases and conditions can have a
significant impact on quality of life. And in many cases, the
condition of the mouth mirrors the condition of the body as a whole.
Recent reports indicate a relationship between periodontal (gum)
disease and stroke, heart disease, and pre-term low-birth-weight
babies. Likewise, more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have
oral manifestations, meaning your dentist may be the first health care
provider to diagnose a health problem. |
| What problems can poor oral health
cause? |
|
According to the recently released Surgeon General's
report on oral health in America, a large percentage of the population
suffers from a reduced quality of life due to oral and facial pain.
This pain is largely due to infections of the gums that support the
teeth and can lead to tooth loss. More than 75 percent of the
population is affected by some type of periodontal disease or
gingivitis.
Recent reports show that infections in the mouth can affect major
organs. One example is bacterial endocarditis, a condition in which
the lining of the heart and heart valves become inflamed. Poor mouth
care also can contribute to oral cancer, which now takes more lives
annually than cervical or skin cancer.
In addition, poor oral health affects the digestive process, which
begins with physical and chemical activities in the mouth. Problems
here can lead to intestinal failure, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and
other problems. |
| What symptoms from other diseases show
up in the mouth? |
|
Mouth tissues reflect symptoms of other problems. In addition, many
diseases can be diagnosed in their early stages through an oral
examination. These diseases may be characterized by swollen gums,
mouth ulcers, dry mouth and/or excessive gum problems. Some of these
diseases include diabetes, leukemia, cancer, heart disease and kidney
disease.
|
| What can I do? |
|
Seeing a dentist every six months can help identify diseases in their
earliest stages. It also is important to provide your dentist with a
complete medical/dental history and to inform him or her of any recent
problems, even if they seem unrelated to your mouth.
|
| What can my dentist do? |
|
A regular exam allows your dentist to keep your mouth in tip-top shape
and watch for developments that may point to problems elsewhere in
your body. A dental exam also picks up on poor nutrition and hygiene,
growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. According
to a recent survey, 90 percent of dentists said they counsel patients
on home care for special oral health care needs resulting from
chemotherapy or head and neck radiation therapy. Eighty-seven percent
of dentists surveyed responded that they counsel patients on tobacco
use, more than half provide direct counseling to patients.
Thirty-eight percent of respondents also provide literature on the
dangers of tobacco and information on tobacco cessation programs to
patients, 17 percent refer patients to their primary care physician,
and 14 percent directly refer patients to cessation services.
|
|
| |
|
|
Smile, Life is Good |
|
|
|
Our Mission Statement
Dr. Standlee and his staff are committed to improve the health and well
being of our patients through excellent restorative and esthetic
dentistry. We will provide our services in a caring and comfortable
atmosphere. Our unique practice specializes in quality patient care.
|
|
|
|
