Baby boomers need to link oral and overall health

Baby boomers looking for the warning signs of adult-onset diseases may be overlooking key symptoms in their mouth that could signal an alarm about their overall health.

According to a survey commissioned by the Academy of General Dentistry, 63 percent of baby boomers (ages 45 to 64) with an oral symptom considered to be a key indicator of a more serious health condition were unaware of the symptom's link to the condition. Failure by baby boomers to recognize that oral health holds valuable clues could negatively affect their overall health.

"Members of this age group too often do not take the time to seek expert dental advice, especially if they aren't in pain," says Ken Sutherland DDS, MBA, and a member of Delta Dental's Quality Assessment department. "Regular oral exams by your dentist can catch some diseases at their earliest stages, when they are most treatable."

Boomers are especially vulnerable to developing Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease, the risks of which increase with age. Researchers believe that symptoms can manifest themselves in the mouth - making dentists key in diagnosing the diseases.

Consider these possibilities:

• Bad breath and bleeding gums could be indicators of diabetes.
• Dental x-rays show the first stages of bone loss.
• A sore and painful jaw could presage an oncoming heart attack.

Dr. Sutherland advises boomers to be aware of any changes in the mouth area, including lumps, bumps, sore spots, increased dry mouth and bleeding. "The appearance and condition of your gums, tongue, throat, the insides of your cheeks and the roof of your mouth can provide early warning signs of possible systemic disease processes," he adds.

Source:
National survey reveals baby boomers miss links between oral and overall health. Academy of General Dentistry.