By now you know that Dr. Smith and the hygienists at Dental Health & Wellness Boston can be your secret weapons to detect health issues early. With our thorough oral health evaluations with every patient’s dental exam, serious problems including oral cancer can be found and treated.
Generally, early signs of oral cancer usually occur in the form of lumps, patchy areas and lesions, or breaks, in the tissues of the mouth. Because, in many cases, these abnormalities are not painful in the early stages, self-diagnosis can be difficult. If you are experiencing hoarseness or difficulty swallowing, unusual bleeding or persistent sores in the mouth that won’t heal or find lumps or growths in other nearby areas, such as the throat or neck, you should visit your doctor immediately.
We also specialize in helping diabetic patients understand how diabetes affects their dental health. As with any condition, good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing and rinsing, as well as the proper diabetic diet, will go a long way in preventing problems. Diabetes is a risk factor for severe periodontal disease and diabetics are more likely to develop periodontal disease than nondiabetics. In some cases, periodontal disease can ever increase the severity of diabetes and complicates control of the metabolism and blood sugar levels needed for diabetic care so proper dental care with Dental Health and Wellness Boston should be a top priority.
During your thorough dental exam, our hygienists may detect reduced saliva production as well as infections resulting from plaque build-up that can cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort and even tooth decay and gum disease. These may be signs of an autoimmune condition called Sjogren’s Syndrome, known for producing symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth. In addition to dental cleanings to reduce plaque build-up, we can also provide recommendations for artificial saliva to make you comfortable and protect your teeth.
Regular check-ups with Dental Health & Wellness Boston and keeping yourself educated about the risks of oral cancer and other serious oral health issues are your best defenses. Maintain good at-home dental care and visit us regularly to keep you AND your teeth healthy.
