When you visit the dentist, you know they’re checking your teeth. But what else can they tell about you from their exam? It might surprise you, but when you visit a dentist in Gainesville, VA, your oral health can actually tell them a lot about your overall health.
Your Oral Health: Clues to Your Overall Health
Here are five surprising things a dental exam can reveal about your habits and health:
- Your Stress Levels: If you are experiencing high stress, your dentist in Gainesville, VA, likely knows about it. A common symptom of chronic stress is teeth grinding. This causes wear on your teeth and can even lead to tiny fractures. We may recommend a mouth guard (and some relaxation) to prevent further damage.
- Your Favorite Snacks: Do you often reach for sugary or acidic foods? These can lead to decay over a prolonged period of time. And because we’re experts, we can tell the difference between decay from improper brushing and acidic snacks.
- Acid Reflux or Digestive Issues: Severe tooth erosion on the back surfaces of your teeth can often indicate undiagnosed acid reflux (GERD). Because the enamel is worn away by stomach acid, we’ll recommend making an appointment with your primary care doctor if we’re concerned
- How Well You Sleep: Beyond stress, we can often identify risks for sleep apnea. Large neck circumference, specific tissue patterns, and certain grinding habits lead us to recommend a sleep study, which can be life-changing for patients suffering from undiagnosed sleep disorders.
- Your Overall Hydration: Dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable. It drastically increases your risk of cavities. A consistently dry mouth tells us you might be dehydrated, sometimes a side effect of certain medications.
Stay Healthy with Regular Visits to Your GoSmiles Dentist in Gainesville, VA
Seeing your dentist in Gainesville, VA, regularly at GoSmiles is more than just a cleaning. It’s an important preventative step for your overall health. Don’t wait for a problem to arise. Let us help you maintain your best smile and your best health with regular cleanings and exams!
GoSmiles Dentistry provides comprehensive family dental care in Gainesville and Herndon, VA, offering preventative, restorative, and cosmetic services for all ages. Utilizing advanced dental technology, our dental team is trained to address a wide range of oral health needs, from routine check-ups and cleanings to complex procedures. We are committed to delivering exceptional care and helping every member of your family achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. GoSmiles is your trusted partner for lifelong oral health.
