The signs and symptoms of many potentially life-threatening diseases appear in the mouth first. Some of these diseases include heart disease, diabetes, and oral cancer.
Heart Disease - Numerous research studies have shown a connection between heart disease and key bacteria in periodontal disease. While research continues, dental hygienists are instrumental in identifying the presence and extent of the periodontal infection and work with patients to both treat the existing problems and prevent future complications.
Diabetes - Periodontal disease has long been considered a major complication of diabetes. After a physician has made a conclusive diagnosis, it is critical that patients with diabetes receive professional oral health care regularly and follow a customized home-care routine to help keep their blood sugar levels in check.
Oral Cancer - This is one of the most serious diseases found in the mouth. Often curable in its early stages, oral cancers are a major cause of death in the Unites States according to the National Cancer Institute.
Dental hygienists are preventative oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who specialize in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases in order to protect total body health. Be sure to stay on-track with your regularly scheduled hygiene appointments.
