The mouth can act as a very effective early warning system; problems in the mouth can signal trouble in other parts of the body. Saliva, like blood and urine, can be used to detect and measure many compounds in the body. Saliva collection has the advantage of being noninvasive. Saliva could potentially replace blood testing for diagnosis and monitoring of many diseases. Recent studies point to associations between oral infections – primarily gum infections – and diabetes; heart disease; stroke; and preterm, low-weight births. To date, there is not enough evidence to conclude that oral infections cause these serious health problems, but research is under way to determine if the associations are causal or coincidental. Gum infections have been called "the sixth complication of diabetes," because people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease. Researchers are exploring a possible two-way connection between the conditions to see if treating gum disease improves diabetic control. Recent studies also point to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke in people with gum infections; the risk increases with the severity of the oral infection. Some studies have found that mothers of preterm, low birth weight infants tend to have more severe gum disease than mothers of normal birth weight babies. Regular dental check-ups continue to be the front line in detection of other problems in the body.
Let our family treat your family. At Family Dentistry of Braintree, we will conduct a comprehensive exam and consultation, and then thoughtfully and patiently review your options, helping you to choose a treatment plan that is right for you, your pocketbook and your lifestyle. Contact us to schedule your appointment today by calling 781-848-2444 today!