Dental link to overall health important
It's easy to think that the mouth functions on its own, apart from the complexities of the rest of the body, but Dr. Clayton Cooke says the link between good dental health and a person's overall physical health is immense.
Respected throughout Southern California for his extensive knowledge and expertise, Dr. Cooke explains why it is critically important to take a medical history and conduct a thorough evaluation of patient's mouth at the first visit.
"Existing medical conditions are important in developing treatment plans for our patients," he says. "Best possible care for patients and their overall health - medical and dental - is our goal."
In a first visit, he says it is vital to determine the health of all gum tissue; assess the condition of each tooth; conduct a screening for oral cancer; gauge the acidic level in the mouth; examine the individual’s bite; and evaluate the mechanics of the jaw function.
Gum inflammation and treacherous bacteria: The primary harmful bacteria found in the mouth is streptococcus mutans. Uncontrolled, this can wreak dangerous destruction.
Matters of the heart: The bacteria found in inflamed gums can enter the bloodstream and travel to arteries in the heart. This can lead to hardening of the arteries, thereby increasing risk of heart attack or stroke. The inner lining of the heart can also become infected and inflamed, a condition known as endocarditis.
Memory health: This same bacteria can also travel via the bloodstream or nerve channels to the head. University research has noted this can lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Good dental hygiene is far more important than just for appearance, Dr. Cooke reports.
Respiratory issues: Gum disease can also lead to lung infection, including pneumonia, according to the Journal of Periodontology. Realize that breathing in bacteria from infected gums and bad teeth can lead to long-term effects in the body.
Bite discomfort, jaw pain and headaches: "Jaw problems, the bite, and its' effect on one's overall health of the teeth and gums is significant," reports Dr. Cooke. "We have learned how to solve this problem." The bite, if not aligned properly, can lead to unusual wear and tear of the teeth. Signs of jaw dysfunction can include: clicking or popping sounds while chewing; myofacial pain or tenderness; headaches; and even earaches. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) is not a rare condition. Statistics show that over 20 percent of the population is affected by it in some manner. Overcoming the pain, dysfunction, and fatigue from the condition is seeking the right help.
High acidic level in the mouth: How a patient's teeth are aging can reflect whether or not the individual's mouth has a high acidic level. "Acid in the mouth destroys teeth," explains Dr. Cooke. Dietary changes may be recommended in order to reduce acid. "For instance, eating fruit is good, but eating citrus fruit alone can be a problem," Dr. Cooke encourages consuming protein-rich foods because they are rich in phospherous.
Medications and their effects: Some medications that a patient takes, although necessary, can present risk factors as well. "Some medications can cause a dry mouth," Dr. Cooke says. "A dry mouth leads to a higher incidence of cavities and the breakdown of a patient's teeth and pre-existing restorations." Counteracting these effects is critical to protecting the teeth.
Helping patients achieve, protect, and preserve good dental health is Dr. Cooke's unwavering goal. Understanding the close connection it has to one's physical health makes it paramount.
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