MEDICAL HISTORIES CAN DRIVE DENTAL DECISIONS
-Delta Dental of New Jersey Reminds Dental Patients that Oral Health is Related to Overall Health-

PARSIPPANY, NJ (July 27, 2006) – Dental patients should be open with their dentists about overall health issues, especially their medical histories. Though the reasons for sharing this information with dentists may not seem obvious, Delta Dental of New Jersey wants to remind patients that research has established a number of connections between oral health and other systemic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy and osteoporosis. Armed with knowledge of a patient's experience with these or other conditions, a dentist can choose the most appropriate treatment options, while also watching for potential oral health problems that can result from a physical illness or medication.

"Any information patients give about their overall health, lifestyles, therapies, medications or dietary supplementation can only improve the likelihood of successful dental diagnoses and treatment," said Dr. Scott Navarro, dental director, Delta Dental of New Jersey.

Dental patients should update their dentists regularly on the presence of any medical problems, as well as any changes associated with these conditions. In addition to sharing information about general illnesses, dentists recommend that patients report any heart-related information, asthma, allergies, orthopedic surgeries, chronic illnesses or histories of serious illnesses, such as rheumatic fever.

All prescription or over-the-counter medicine and supplements should also be discussed because many of them can cause dry mouth or have other oral side effects. Some can also interfere with certain dental treatments.

"On occasion, dentists have been known to detect symptoms of disease that haven't been diagnosed yet such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and premature birth," said Dr. Navarro. "Dentists and primary care doctors can work together to help their patients stay healthy, but communication from the patient is crucial."

About Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc.
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s and Connecticut's leading dental benefits carrier, providing coverage to more than one million people through contracts with employers in New Jersey and Connecticut. The Delta Dental system offers seamless dental benefits administration for employer groups throughout the country and the largest network of credentialed dentists in the nation. For more information visit us on the Web at www.deltadentalnj.com

MEDICAL HISTORY FACT SHEET

It is important for patients to notify their dentists of their medical history for reasons that may not seem obvious. Following are four common medical conditions that have direct effects on oral health. Keeping knowledge of these conditions from dentists could aggravate and complicate certain oral health conditions and treatments.

DIABETES

Diabetic have special oral healthcare needs that dentists are prepared to meet. The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are tooth decay, gum disease, salivary gland dysfunction, taste impairment, fungal infections and dry mouth, which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities. Dentists must also know what medications a diabetic patient is using as well as if blood sugar levels are high so they can make informed decisions about the patient's oral health.

HEART DISEASE

According to the American Dental Association bacteria from the mouth can possibly enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart during dental treatment. This presents a risk for some patients who have cardiac abnormalities or other heart conditions because the bacteria may cause endocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart valves or tissues. Columbia University Medical Center researchers have found a connection between gum disease and atherosclerosis - a narrowing of blood vessels that can lead to stroke or heart attack.

The American Heart Association and the American Dental Association publish guidelines for dentists to help them protect patients at risk of developing bacterial endocarditis. The guidelines recommend that, based on patients' medical conditions, certain antibiotics are used before some dental treatments such as professional tooth cleaning, extractions, incision and drainage of infected oral tissue, some types of injections and some oral surgeries.

The American Dental Association and Delta Dental of New Jersey urge dental patients to notify their dentists of the following conditions: Heart surgery within past six months of treatment; Pacemaker; Vascular surgery within past six months of treatment; Artificial heart valve; History of rheumatic fever; History of heart murmur; Previous bacterial endocarditis; Systemic pulmonary shunt; Congenital heart defect; and Acquired valve dysfunction.

OSTEOPOROSIS

A number of studies have suggested a link between osteoporosis and tooth loss or bone loss in the jaw. According to the American Dental Association, studies support the suggestion that low bone-density can lead to tooth loss.

The jawbone can lose its shape once a woman begins losing teeth, which can lead to difficulties with implants and dentures. The American Academy of General Dentistry warns that ill-fitting dentures can lead to mouth sores and a loss of oral function, for example the ability to speak and eat.

PREGNANCY

A mother's dental health can have a direct effect on her baby. Studies have shown that at least 30% of women will experience increased sensitivity to plaque and tender, puffy and sometimes bleeding gums during pregnancy. These symptoms normally appear in the second month of pregnancy and escalate through the eighth month. Because there is usually no discomfort associated with these symptoms, women may dismiss them; however, these infections can lead to gingivitis, an early form of periodontal (gum) disease.

Growing evidence suggests a link between gum disease and premature, underweight births. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontal infections cause an increase in the levels of certain hormones that can induce labor. Therefore, equipped with knowledge of a patient's pregnancy, a dentist can determine the best course of treatment.