We all know that regular brushing and flossing help us maintain a beautiful smile. Proper dental care keeps our teeth shiny and white and helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. But did you know that taking care of our pearly whites is also important to our overall health?

Periodontal disease has been linked to numerous other conditions. In some cases, it is caused by other conditions. In others, it causes or contributes to them. Conscientious oral care and regular dental checkups can help us detect some diseases and aid in preventing others.

Signs of Disease Found in the Mouth

Yearly oral exams are important tools in detecting problems with our teeth. But they can also uncover signs of problems elsewhere in the body. An attentive dentist can advise us of any abnormalities that may be cause for concern.

Dental x-rays can aid in detection of other health problems by showing evidence of bone loss. Bone loss in the part of the jaw that contains tooth sockets is often linked to heart disease. General bone loss in the oral area could also be an indicator of osteoporosis.

The gums may also hold clues to problems that affect the entire system. Diabetics, for instance, are particularly prone to periodontal disease. They are more likely than most people to have frequent oral infections. Signs of HIV may be found in the mouth as well, in the form of inflammation and lesions on the gums...