A Dental Exam and Cleaning Can Be an Important Way to Detect Symptoms of Significant Health Concerns

A regularly scheduled visit to your dentist can help prevent tooth decay, provide early detection of issues such as cavities and gum disease, and clear away any lingering plaque or tartar. When you visit Dr. Khaja Mohsinuddin at Total Health Dental in Aurora, Illinois, he will also be able to detect early warning signs of certain chronic health conditions and health risks. A dental cleaning is not just essential for good oral health; it can also allow your dentist to spot some of the following health risks at their earliest stages.

Bruxism and TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorder is an unpleasant condition that causes difficulty with opening and closing your jaw, creates frequent headaches, and causes discomfort in the mouth and jaw area. TMJ disorders are often the result of untreated bruxism or injuries to the jaw. A dentist can usually spot the signs of TMJ disorder at the time of an examination and cleaning.

Heart Attack Risk

When you visit your dentist, you likely do not think they may be able to tell if you are at an increased risk for heart disease or heart attack. Recent studies have shown a significant link between untreated gum disease and heart attack and stroke risk. Because of this link, you can reduce your risk of both by around 10-15% just by having your teeth regularly cleaned at your local dentist.

Oral Cancer

An essential service provided during a routine exam and cleaning is a visual screening for possible development of oral cancer. Like any disease, the earlier the signs of oral cancer are detected, the better chance you have that it can be taken care of. If you have wounds in the mouth that are not healing or noticeable white or red spots, these are all possible symptoms of oral cancer. If oral cancer is suspected, further testing will be done to determine if cancer has developed or if the visible symptoms are due to another oral health issue.

Dental cleanings and examinations are critically important not only to your oral health but to your overall well-being.

The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body, and so there are symptoms that could point to larger health concerns. To schedule an appointment at Total Health Dental, call (630) 822-9600 today.

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