David A. Slaughter, DDS
Bill D. Estes, DDS
Cosmetic Dentist - Austin
15004 Avery Ranch Boulevard
Austin, TX 78717
(512) 258-2233
My Blog
Posts for: February, 2012
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. An unhealthy mouth may increase your risk for serious health problems, including heart attack, diabetes and preterm labor. Research shows that more than 90 percent of all systematic diseases have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers or excessive gum problems. Here's a look at some of the diseases and conditions that may be connected to oral health.
- Diabetes - Due to elevated blood sugars, diabetes increases your risk of gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, dry mouth, and a variety of oral infections. Conversely, because diabetes can reduce the body's resistance to infection, it can be difficult to control.
- Heart Disease - According to research, poor oral health can increase the risk for developing heart disease as studies have shown a link between the bacteria found in both diseases.
- Premature Birth - Studies have found that expectant mothers with periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to deliver premature, low-birth-weight babies.
- Your mouth can reveal other clues about your state of health as well including respiratory conditions, oral cancer and osteoporosis.
To keep your mouth and body healthy:
- Provide our Austin office with a complete health history -- illnesses and medication use -- even if they seem unrelated to your oral health.
- Brush and floss regularly to help remove bacteria from the mouth that could potentially travel through your body.
- Eat a well-balanced diet to keep your immune system strong.
- If you smoke, talk to your dentist about options for quitting.
- Visit David A. Slaughter, DDS for routine checkups and professional cleanings to prevent problems and detect potential issues in their early stages.
The signs and symptoms of many potentially life-threatening diseases appear in the mouth first. Since most people have regular oral examinations, the dentist is often the first to identify a health problem in its early stages. Dental professionals are trained to look for many systemic diseases simply through your regular oral exam.
Make it a priority to practice good oral hygiene every day. You're making an investment in your total body health, not just for now, but for the future, too.
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Some people go their entire lives without ever getting their wisdom teeth, while others can develop up to four, one at each end of the upper and lower gums.
Why is Extraction Necessary?
- When the mouth isn't large enough to accommodate the third molars, they can become impacted (trapped within the jaw)
- Partially erupted wisdom teeth are very susceptible to tooth decay, infections and even gum disease
- Misaligned wisdom teeth can shift or damage adjacent teeth
- Cysts can form and destroy bone, nerves or tooth roots
Early Removal for a Quick Recovery
A patient's age and the position of the wisdom teeth will determine the relative ease in which they can be extracted. Removal before the third molars have a chance to emerge is generally recommended in order to maintain proper alignment of the teeth. When wisdom teeth are impacted, extraction becomes more difficult and may require a more involved surgical procedure.
Younger patients typically have an easier time with wisdom teeth removal because the tooth roots are not fully developed and the bone is less dense, making extraction less complicated. As a result, recovery time is generally shorter.
Not everyone's wisdom teeth need to be extracted. If the third molars are aligned, healthy and functional, dentists may let the teeth remain, but continue to monitor their movement. Patients experiencing jaw pain or inflammation should have their wisdom teeth evaluated by a dentist.
If you haven't already, visit our Austin office to learn more about your wisdom teeth. At David A. Slaughter, DDS, routine check ups can help us monitor the development of your third molars and recommend an appropriate time for removal, should it be necessary.
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