Discovering Health Secrets Hidden in Your Smile

April 30, 2024

A smile can reveal more than just happiness; it can also offer clues about your overall health. In fact, over 90% of systemic conditions and over 500 medications have visible signs and symptoms that affect the oral cavity. This is why regular dental checkups and care are crucial for detecting diseases that could impact your general well-being.

At Southington Dentistry, we prioritize helping our patients maintain healthy smiles while supporting their overall health.

During every checkup appointment, we carefully review your medical and dental histories, discuss any symptoms you may have experienced, and conduct a thorough clinical examination to assess the state of your oral health and function. We also look for signs of diseases that may have started elsewhere in the body. Changes in the appearance of soft tissues within or around the mouth, ulcers, swelling, inflammation, bleeding, alterations in saliva production, discomfort, unusual bone loss or asymmetry, certain forms of tooth decay, and more can indicate underlying medical conditions.

Diseases and conditions with oral manifestations include:

Autoimmune diseases
Blood disorders
Endocrine problems
Neoplastic processes (cancers)
Gastrointestinal reflux
Eating disorders
Nutritional deficiencies

A two-way street to good health

It's essential to remember that maintaining optimal oral health also supports your overall well-being. Conditions affecting the teeth and gums can have consequences on the rest of your body. Besides the serious threat posed by untreated dental infections, research is continually revealing links between periodontal disease and numerous medical issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and adverse pregnancy outcomes like pre-term births and low birth-weight babies.

Comprehensive care for a healthier you

At Southington Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of dental prevention to help our patients achieve and maintain excellent oral health. We encourage regular checkups, professional cleanings, and promptly addressing any potential issues that may arise. By doing so, we hope to contribute to a healthier you.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about your oral health. Our dedicated staff is here to support you on your journey towards better overall well-being.