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Recent research suggests that a trip to the dentist could serve as an early warning system for various chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Dental professionals, equipped with proper training, have the potential to significantly impact public health by identifying key indicators of these diseases.
Lead author Janine Doughty of the Royal Liverpool University Dental Hospital highlighted the potential of a dental visit to not only offer reassurance to patients but also prompt healthier lifestyle choices. “We have a unique opportunity with patients who regularly visit the dentist but might not have seen a GP in years. It’s a simple addition to conduct quick health checks during their dental appointments,” Doughty emphasized.
Published in the British Dental Journal, a study conducted in two general dental practices incorporated a range of health screenings alongside routine oral examinations. Patients undergoing regular dental check-ups were provided with assessments for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol levels, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-height ratio.
Among the 500+ patients assessed, the results were revealing: 78% showed elevated blood pressure readings, over half (55.8%) had BMI readings outside the healthy range, and nearly 40% had above-average waist-to-height ratios. Additionally, around 17% exhibited high cholesterol levels, while approximately 3% displayed high blood glucose values.
Patients whose test results indicated abnormalities were advised to schedule follow-up appointments with their GP for further evaluation and care. Robert Witton from the Peninsula Dental School at the University of Plymouth, UK, stressed the significance of dental teams collaborating with medical professionals to enhance public health outcomes. “This study underscores the immense potential for dental professionals to support patients and collaborate closely with the broader healthcare community,” Witton emphasized.
