Dental

WHY IS ORAL HEALTH IMPORTANT?

As stated in the office of the U.S. Surgeon General, oral health is essential to general health and well-being at every stage of life.  Mouth and throat diseases, which can range from cavities to cancer, can cause pain and disability for millions of Americans each year.  This fact is disturbing because almost all oral diseases can be prevented.

Dental care is integrated as part of the primary care program that Miami Beach Community Health Center offers.  Oral health care is important because of the link between periodontal diseases, cardiovascular disease and other health conditions which have been the topic of debate recently with several studies backing both arguments for and against the link.  Pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, poor nutrition and suppressed immune system, all have oral manifestations.

Periodontal  Disease:  Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, characterized by swollen gums that easily bleed.  Without treatment the condition progresses to periodontitis, the inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth.  The theory is that bacteria present in infected gums can come loose and travel throughout the body.  Periodontal disease is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease along with smoking, high cholesterol and hypertension.  Is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Symptoms:  bleeding of gums during brushing; red, swollen or tender gums; persistent bad breath; and/or loose or separating teeth.

Dental Caries/Decay/Cavities:  Decay results when the hard tissues are destroyed by acid products from oral bacteria. For children, cavities are a common problem that begins at an early age.  Untreated cavities can cause pain, dysfunction, absence from school, and/or underweight.

If you take medication for the heart or blood pressure, or if you take anti-depressants, your salivary flow could be inhibited, increasing the risk for dental caries.  Saliva helps to reduce the bacteria found in your mouth.

Oral  Cancer:  has the lowest survival rate, however, because it is typically painless in its early stages and goes unnoticed until it spreads, leading to chronic pain and sometimes loss of function before it is diagnosed.  In its later stages, it can lead to surgery and oral disfigurement.  Surgery can include removal of a portion of the tongue and jaw.  The dentist checks about ten places inside and around the mouth, looking for lumps or irregular tissue changes. Often, patients do not realize the exam is being conducted, because it is a quick, comfortable and an addition to the patient’s regular dental checkup.

DENTAL SERVICES:

The Dental Department staffs one full-time and one part-time dentist, a full time dental hygienist and two full time dental assistants.

We offer preventive and basic dental services, essential to prevent further complications and pain. 
It includes:

• diagnosis
• oral hygiene instructions
• sealants (a plastic fill painted on the chewing surfaces of molars-children receive the greatest benefit from it)
• restorations/fillings (used to restore decay areas)
• scalings
• cleanings
• fluoride application
• extractions (pull teeth)
• emergency treatments.

Miami Beach Community Health Center will continue to work on strengthening the oral health program and work towards developing effective community interventions to extend prevention to our patient population.