Dental Services

If you have diabetes, you're more likely to have oral health problems like cavities, and infections of the gums and bones that hold your teeth in place because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the area. If you have diabetes and you're over 50, your risk is even higher. 

More than one-third of all cancer patients develop complications that affect the mouth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. These mild to severe side effects can include mouth sores, infection, dry mouth, sensitive gums and jaw pain. 

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may cause changes in the lining of the mouth and the salivary glands, which make saliva. This can upset the healthy balance of bacteria. These changes may lead to mouth sores, infections, and tooth decay. 

The teeth, gums, and jaw are inextricably linked to your ears. Pain in your ear can signal a dental problem and vice versa. That is one reason why proper oral health is so important for your quality of life. You may find that undergoing cleanings or restorative treatments lowers the occurrence of ear pain. 

If you have any condition which increases your risk of developing infective endocarditis, don't let any dental problems such as a dental abscess or gum disease go untreated. These dental conditions increase the chance of bacteria getting into the bloodstream. 

Pain in the face can appear due to a facial injury, an infection, or issues with nerves in a tooth. Infections can occur when tooth decay or injuries that damage teeth allow bacteria to get inside the tooth. Abscesses can cause a throbbing pain that may radiate to jaw, face, and neck.  

During the early gingivitis stages, gum inflammation can occur in as little as five days. Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. Untreated gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, which is a more severe stage of gum disease. The infection and pockets deepen while eating away at your jaw until your teeth become loose and fall out. 

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that is caused by poor oral hygiene. When plaque is left to build upon the teeth and harden, periodontal disease develops. When this is left untreated, it can result in damage to the jaw and even tooth loss. 

Gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can affect the heart valves. Oral health may be particularly important if you have artificial heart valves. 

There is a direct link between a person grinding their teeth and experiencing back and neck pain. Typically, when someone grinds their teeth, it causes a forward head posture. If they are chronically grinding their teeth, this constant forward head posture can quickly cause strain on the neck. 

People whose teeth and gums are in poor condition may be more susceptible to an oral virus that can cause certain mouth and throat cancers.  Dr. Sandlin cannot diagnose Oral Cancer, but he can identify suspicious-looking areas or growths that may need further evaluation and biopsy by a cancer specialist.  

Periodontitis is common but fairly preventable. The cause is usually poor oral hygiene. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. It's a risk factor for heart and lung diseases. Symptoms include swollen, red, and tender gums. Treatment includes professionally cleaning the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone.