Approximately 64% of Americans have seen a dentist in the past year. Six months is the professional recommendation, and anyone who doesn’t meet it may not realize the danger they’ve put themselves in.
Putting off a dental checkup does more than harm your oral health. It can prevent you from knowing about serious gastrointestinal, autoimmune, and chronic conditions.
If you haven’t had your teeth checked recently, it may be time to start searching for a “dentist near me.” They’ll notice the signs your mouth gives about your overall health.
Read on to learn how to find a Fallbrook dentist you can trust. The early diagnoses they provide may even save your life.
Oral Health Conditions
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues and has a major impact on your overall health. A Fallbrook dentist can clean your gums to prevent or reduce swelling and bleeding.
TMJ or temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a common disorder of the jaw. It causes pain and tenderness in the area that a dental exam can help identify.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when stomach acid bubbles back up in your esophagus. It causes symptoms such as:
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bad breath
- Canker sores
- Dry mouth
GERD even increases the risk for cancer or erosion in the esophagus. A Fallbrook dentist can help diagnose it by looking to see if the acid has begun to erode the enamel of your upper back molars or irritate the back of your mouth.
The immune system attacks the small intestine, causing gastrointestinal issues. This can also affect the mouth by eroding the enamel, creating canker sores, or causing a dry or burning sensation on your tongue. Celiac disease is a reaction to gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley.
Autoimmune Diseases
Diabetes shares several symptoms in common with oral health conditions. You may experience the fruity breath, cold sores, dry mouth, or oral thrush. It also makes you 2-3 times more likely to develop gum disease.
Similar symptoms may also be present in HIV or AIDS. Other signs include warts in the mouth.
Sjorgen’s syndrome dries out the mouth. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus cause bumps and canker sores, difficulty swallowing and talking, or taste changes.
A dental exam will check for all of these symptoms simultaneously. When compared with your current health and medical history, they can help diagnose an autoimmune condition you may not have even known you had.
Cancer and Chronic Kidney Disease
An early disease diagnosis is essential for oral cancer. A Fallbrook dentist will look at your jaw, cheek, neck, and tongue for lesions, bumps, or sores.
They will also look for symptoms such as bad breath and dry mouth. These can be caused by a buildup of toxins from chronic kidney disease.
Finding a Fallbrook Dentist
Oral health affects every part of the body, and a dental exam can identify a wide range of conditions. Gum disease may point to diabetes, and bad breath may even indicate chronic kidney disease.
Regular exams are the only way to catch these issues before they become unmanageable or even deadly.Contact Gernot H. Winkler to find a reliable Fallbrook dentisttoday.
Gernot Winkler, D.D.S., is dedicated to serving clients with general and family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Located in Fallbrook, Dr. Winkler sees patients throughout San Diego County, including neighboring cities such as Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow, and Temecula.