Too often, we think of our oral health as separate from our overall health. In reality, the health of our teeth and gums is intertwined with the rest of our body. Your mouth is the main entrance to the body. Gums and teeth are linked to the digestive, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic and skeletal systems and the bloodstream. And they share the harmful organisms that cause disease.

This is why your NJ dentist is so important to your health and well-being. Your dentist is an expert in diagnosing and treating conditions of your teeth, gums and upper jaw and face—conditions that can impact your overall health. Most important, your dentist can help you prevent damaging and costly oral health problems from occurring in the first place.
Preventative check-ups can help lower your dental care costs!

You might be surprised to know that a dentist is often the first person to spot a number of health conditions, including serious diseases like diabetes and heart disease. All told, more than 90 percent of the systemic diseases of the body are linked to symptoms in the mouth.

Here are 7 health conditions your dentist may detect first:

1. Red, sore, swollen gums of periodontitis (gum disease) are associated with heart disease and stroke.

2. Sore, pale gums indicate you may be anemic.

3. Bright red, spongy, inflamed gums that bleed easily can be a sign of leukemia.

4. Significant erosion of tooth enamel may signal of eating disorders, such as bulimia, or gastric conditions.

5. If air blowing on your gums makes them bleed, you may be pregnant.

6. Bad breath, dry mouth, bleeding gums and receding gums are often associated with diabetes.

7. White spots and sores that don’t heal on your gums and other oral tissues can be signs of oral cancer.

It is also important that you see the right type of dentists for you needs – check out the list of types of dentist below to help you decide which type of dentist is right for you!

Top Dentists in NJ

Type of Dental / Oral Healthcare Provider and what they do:

General dentist:
Much like your primary care physician, your general-care dentist examines and monitors the condition of your teeth and gums. He or she will chart an overall plan to treat problems and to prevent future problems. A general-care dentist uses a number of procedures for restoring teeth that have decay, disease or have been injured.

Pediatric dentist (also called pedodontist):
Pediatric dentists have postgraduate training in working with children and conditions common to children. They have kid-size equipment and are experienced at putting children at ease.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon:
Surgery of the mouth, jaw and face are performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Common surgeries are dental implants, correcting cleft palates and repairing facial injuries such as fractured jaws.

Periodontist:
Periodontists specialize in diseases of the gums and other tissues that support your teeth.

Endodontist:
Have you ever had a root canal? It may have been performed by an endodontist, a specialist who focuses on the pulp—the tissues, blood vessels and nerves inside your tooth and in the tissues that surround the outside the tooth’s root.

Orthodontist:
Making sure your teeth are straight and your teeth meet properly when you bite down is the job of an orthodontist. Braces and retainers are common tools used by an orthodontist.

Cosmetic / aesthetic dentist:
From teeth whitening and tooth veneers to gingival sculpting, bridges and braces—a cosmetic dentist has the tools and technology to bring a great-looking smile to your face.

Dental hygienist:
An indispensable defender of your dental health, your dental hygienist conducts initial examinations, cleans teeth, scrapes away stubborn tartar, takes x-rays and provides instruction in self-care.

Dentist in NJ near you