Don't Ignore the Warning Signs!

This month we have chosen impactful dental health stories. Not all stories have a happy ending, but due to vigilant dental employees and patients, the odds can be tipped in our favor when it comes to dental health successes. We both must work in tandem to achieve the best results.

Delta Dental of California posted a great article about five medical conditions that can harm your mouth. Take a few minutes to browse this list of warning signs. 

Did you know that problems in other parts of your body can have consequences for your teeth and gums? From diabetes to ulcers, these illnesses can erode teeth, cause bad breath and even turn your tongue black!

1. Acid reflux. Your dentist may be the first to notice gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as acid reflux. If you have this condition, a look in your mouth will usually reveal erosion on your back teeth, the result of powerful stomach acid dissolving your enamel. If you experience reflux episodes during the day, protect your teeth by rinsing vigorously with water to reduce acid in your mouth. You may be tempted, but don’t brush your teeth right away — the bristles can damage enamel still soft from the acid. To prevent nighttime reflux, make sure not to eat two to three hours before bed, and avoid triggers like alcohol, caffeine and anything acidic.
2. Stomach ulcers. Appearing as sores in the lining of your stomach or small intestine, ulcers are often the result of the bacterium H. pylori, which can weaken the protective coating of your stomach. Although ulcers themselves won’t hurt your oral health, the medicine used to combat them can turn your tongue black. Don’t worry — the side effect should go away once you’re through with treatment.
3. Chronic kidney disease. If there’s something fishy about your breath, visit your doctor. Breath that smells like fish or ammonia can be a sign of kidney disease, a serious condition that is fatal if left untreated. As your kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and toxins from the blood, your breath will take on the scent of your urine.
4. Diabetes. This widespread inflammatory disease doesn’t just affect your blood sugar. People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease, cavities and even lose their teeth. If you’ve been diagnosed, make sure to tell your dentist, and be especially vigilant in brushing and flossing.
5. High blood pressure. If you’re among the quarter of Americans with this dangerous condition, you might have something new to worry about. Medication to lower your blood pressure can come with the unwanted side effect of gingival enlargement, a condition in which your gums swell and start to grow over your teeth.

If any of these warning signs are of concern to you, please call us as soon as possible.

Source: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/5-medical-conditions-that-can-harm-your-mouth.html

Routine Dental Exams Can Save Your Life!

This month we have been sharing survival stories from around the nation. At times we think, "bad things will never happen to me" and we ignore the warning signs our body uses to communicate with us.

Today's story is no different. The American Dental Association recently shared the story of a 47-year-old mother and wife who survived oral cancer thanks to a routine dental exam.

JoAna Breckner shares the following tips to help you fight against oral cancer:

Here are easy, potentially lifesaving steps to take charge of your oral health. 

• Be sure your dentist or qualified hygienist “cleans and screens” at every routine visit. This visual and manual screening takes less than five minutes 
• There is a strong link between HPV and oral cancer. Ask your children’s pediatrician and dentist for more information about the HPV vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends boys and girls receive the HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12. 
• If a sore throat or swallowing problems persist for more than two weeks, contact your doctor. 

Call today to schedule your

semi-annual cleaning and exam!

541-451-1440

Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-40-60/oral-cancer-awareness?source=facebook&content=oral_cancer_personal&__prclt=ovJViH1Z

California Family Loses Dad to Dental Infection

As reported on FoxNews Health, a young father recently lost his life from a dental infection that spread faster than medication could control. This family no longer has their loving dad and husband.

It may seem redundant that we keep talking the importance of dental exams, preventative oral hygiene measures, and emergency visit protocols, but we do this because we would be devastated to lose any of our patients.

Two minutes, twice a day to brush, and a few more minutes to floss could be the difference between life and death for you. Although good oral hygiene might be inconvenient, especially when you are tired, the next time you want to skip caring for your mouth please remember this family. A little time tonight is nothing in comparison to a life-long loss.

Schedule your dental cleaning 

and exam today!

Source:  http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/02/01/tooth-infection-leads-to-26-year-old-california-dads-death.html

The Mouth Body Connection

Our mouths and bodies are inseparably connected. It may surprise you how many health conditions Dr. Clark has been able to diagnose from a routine dental exam, some even life-threatening.

Please take a few minutes on our website studying these connections for yourself. Each box hyperlinks to a topic on our website to give your further information about the warning signs your body shows. 

Complete Health Dentistry by Dr. Clark

If it has been awhile since your last cleaning or dental exam, please call us to schedule an appointment today.