When you sit down in the dental hygienist’s chair, you probably expect to leave with cleaner teeth and a fresher smile. But there’s something far more important happening during your dental wellness visit: vital health screenings that could help detect life-threatening conditions early and protect your overall health and well-being.
Lancette VanGuilder, B.S., RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA
President, American Dental Hygienists’ Association
As a dental hygienist and a healthcare professional, I see it firsthand: The mouth offers early warning signs of serious conditions long before you notice anything wrong elsewhere. Inflamed, receding, or bleeding gums; dry mouth; and even worn-down teeth can contribute to bigger concerns like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or sleep problems.
Every day, dental hygienists across the country perform health screenings as part of what most people think of as “just a teeth cleaning.” However, we aren’t just cleaning your teeth; we’re looking for signs of many health problems. We connect dental care to overall health by reviewing your medical history, checking blood pressure, and performing important health screenings and services. We look for signs of mouth and throat cancer. We assess gum health and bone levels, which are strongly linked to chronic diseases. We provide simple saliva tests that can check for a wide range of bacteria, viruses, proteins, and other markers that impact both oral and overall health. Dental hygienists also may ask you how you’re sleeping, identify red flags for disordered breathing, and keep an eye on kids’ growth and development. It’s all part of making sure your mouth and your body stay healthy.
The mouth-body connection
The reality is that most diseases often start quietly. You won’t feel them at first, but when we catch them early, we have a much better chance of treating them quickly – and avoiding major problems later. Better yet, routine dental hygiene wellness visits may just be the key to disease prevention. That’s why keeping up on your preventive dental appointments with a licensed dental hygienist, every six months or more frequently, isn’t just good for your smile; it is essential for total health. Dental hygienists are oral health specialists in preventing disease.
We also know that many people are surprised to learn how connected the mouth and body really are. Untreated gum disease can make it harder to control diabetes and blood pressure. Airway issues that show up as teeth grinding, TMJ pain, or dry mouth might mean you’re struggling with sleep apnea, which affects energy levels, mental health, and physical health. The results of saliva testing may show you have dangerous levels of mouth bacteria linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
The tools for a healthy body and mouth
Beyond health screenings, your dental hygienist is also your coach and your partner in wellness. We take time to educate you, answering your questions and providing personalized advice to help you care for your mouth between visits. We’ll help you figure out how your diet, your oral hygiene routine, your medications, your stress levels, and even your sleep habits are impacting your health. Then we work with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle. Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference. Your next visit with your dental hygienist might involve a recommendation to try a probiotic, use a water flosser, or try a small brush that fits in between your teeth to clean hard-to-reach places. Maybe you’ll even be referred for a sleep study. The tools in the toolbox for a healthy body and a healthy mouth are changing, and dental hygienists are embracing new and innovative ways to help their patients.
Your body may be giving you clues, and your mouth is one of the first places they may appear. Make that appointment with your dental hygienist. Take care of your health. A healthy smile is one small step toward a healthier life.
