The Importance of Oral Systemic Health
Are you familiar with the term oral systemic health? It’s used to describe the connection that exists between the condition of a person’s mouth and his or her overall health. It also happens to be a subject that Dr. Cortese at Princeton Prosthodontics is well familiar with.
Because Dr. Cortese has a full understanding of the principals of oral systemic health, he always conducts a thorough exam of his patients’ oral cavities. He also takes the time to review their family medical histories and asks pertinent questions. Later, Dr. Cortese uses that information to determine whether or not his Princeton Prosthodontics’ patients are at risk for developing certain diseases or other health problems.
In Dr. Cortese’ experience, there are actually quite a few health problems that are connected to the condition of a person’s oral cavity. Among them are cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, orthopedic implant failure and pulmonary disease. They have all been previously tied to gum disease. Other problems believed to be connected to the disease are cancer, Alzheimer’s and poor fetal development.
Gum disease is not the only condition that oral systemic health professionals like Dr. Cortese look for either. They also look for signs of infection. That’s because infections that start in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body and vice versa. Tooth abscesses are one example. They can spread and cause problems like endocarditis and sepsis.
In addition, diseases that start in other areas of the body can impact the mouth as well. Take HIV/AIDS as an example. People that have it tend to develop mucosal lesions, oral thrust and hairy leukoplakia. They may also develop a lot of cavities and nutritional problems.
To ask questions and learn more about oral systemic health issues, please contact Dr. Cortese at Princeton Prosthodontics. Dr. Cortese is an accredited Maxillofacial Prosthodontist and an esteemed member of several organizations. Among them are the Osseointegration Society and the Society of Clinical Oncology.