A healthy mouth is essential for overall health and can also help prevent medical diseases. Your mouth provides a snapshot into what's going on throughout your body. Routine dental screenings can provide early detection for diseases and problems that need to be addressed. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, over 90% of all systematic diseases produce oral symptoms meaning a visit to your dentist could save your life. Here are some examples of dental issues that point to bigger medical concerns: Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding are often symptoms of untreated anxiety. Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without even realizing it. Your dentist can create a custom mouth guard to prevent you from wearing down your teeth. Gum Infection and Legions: Legions in your mouth and chronic bad breath (despite good oral hygiene) are often an early warning sign for diabetes. If a person with diabetes experiences chronic gum infections, they should consult their medical doctor immediately. Infections are known to cause insulin resistance which affects blood sugar making the disease hard to maintain. Dry Mouth: Many common prescriptions result in dry mouth. If you have trouble eating a chip or cracker without a glass of water it may be a side effect of the medication. People with dry mouth are at higher risk to develop cavities. Remember, routine dental care including brushing, flossing, and exams are vital for your medical and dental health. If you need to schedule an appointment, call us here!