Many people only see the dentist for regular examinations or if they have obvious dental pain. However, oral or dental problems that require the dentist's intervention are not always obvious. Below are some situations in which dental consultation can help.

Pregnancy

Dental care during pregnancy is critical because of pregnancy for several reasons. First, pregnancy triggers hormone changes, and some of the changes increase your risk of dental problems. For example, some people experience swollen gums during pregnancy.

Secondly, some people experience vomiting with morning sickness. Vomiting exposes the teeth to acidic erosion since our stomach contents are acidic. Lastly, some people crave and overindulge in sweets during pregnancy, and sugar increases the risk of periodontal disease.

Some people think that all dental treatments during pregnancy are dangerous. However, routine dental care, such as teeth cleaning, is harmless during pregnancy. In some cases, the greater danger is to forgo needed dental treatments. Your dentist will examine your overall health and the urgency of dental care and decide your treatment if you need invasive dental treatments.

Sleep Issues

Dental or oral problems can affect your sleep quantity and quality in multiple ways. For example, chronic teeth grinding and clenching (that dentists call bruxism) can trigger persistent pain and interfere with your sleep. Sleep apnea stops your breathing several times during sleep and also interferes with sleep.

Luckily, most oral issues stem from dental problems and have solutions. For example, dentists have oral appliances, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), for sleep apnea treatment.

Headaches

A few oral problems can cause jaw pain that can radiate and cause headaches. For example, chronic teeth grinding can cause pain at the joint between the skull and jawbone. The joint pain can present itself as migraines. Headaches can also refer to the head; you might not even know you have an oral problem. Consult a dentist if you have strange headaches.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Some studies show a connection between oral and cardiovascular health. One suggestion is that the bacteria responsible for oral disease can move into the bloodstream, trigger inflammation of blood vessels, and increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Error on the side of caution and ensure good oral health if you have cardiovascular disease or high risk for the same.

The above information shows that what happens in your mouth affects other body parts, and the reverse is true. The interconnection underscores the need for your dentist and doctor to work together for your overall health.

To learn more, contact your general dentist.