The importance of oral health extends far beyond a beautiful smile; it can have implications for your entire body's well-being. Dentist Dr. Daniela Eversgerd underscores this interconnectedness by relating a common saying from her native Brazil, "Your mouth is a window to your health."
An oral examination can often reveal crucial insights about an individual's overall health and lifestyle habits, says Dr. Eversgerd.
"Many people don't realize that neglecting oral health can lead to complications affecting the body as a whole, not just resulting in bad teeth," Dr. Eversgerd noted.
She emphasized how dental professionals can infer a great deal from a simple oral examination, from lifestyle habits to potential health concerns.
"If you've just started flossing after a long gap, it's evident to us," Dr. Eversgerd said.
Moreover, a close look inside the mouth can signal signs of sleep apnea, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even a stroke.
"We often discern sleep apnea through the wear pattern of teeth and small indentations on the tongue, which are indicative of grinding or clenching. Signs of body-wide inflammation, too, can be detected through oral exams," Dr. Eversgerd explained.
Osteoporosis can also be flagged through the examination of the bones supporting your teeth, while poor nutrition can be identified through signs in the oral cavity. When a patient visits every six months, good dentists don't just check for cavities.
"We're also checking for oral cancer - the most common spot being the back side of the tongue, looking for signs of sleep apnea, and evaluating the gums for any inflammation," Dr. Eversgerd said. "We even monitor for issues related to allergies and sinuses."
Nutrition is another topic Dr. Eversgerd often discusses with her patients.
"We can often detect eating disorders, especially in younger patients. As dental professionals, we frequently see patients more often than other healthcare providers, so I believe it is important for us to do everything we can to monitor patients for health risks," she added.
Furthermore, Dr. Eversgerd’s office works closely with sleep physicians to detect any sleep disorder breathing. They offer salivary DNA tests that can identify five different bacteria linked to 57 health conditions outside of the mouth, including heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.
"By detecting these conditions early with the help of antibiotics and dental care, we can actually decrease the risks of patients getting those diseases," she concluded.
Dr. Eversgerd's insights underline the role of dental health as a vital part of overall wellness. Her message is clear: taking care of your mouth is an essential step towards maintaining your overall health. To follow Dr Eversgerd's journey click on her Instagram for more.
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