The month of May is dedicated to Lyme Disease awareness, which is estimated to affect at least 30,000 people each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is believed that more than 300,000 people annually are infected with the tickborne illness because most cases are not reported to the CDC. A simple tick bite can lead to a wide range of general health symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, swelling of the limbs, and a rash. Although many tend to focus on reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life for those who are infected, there is another factor that is often overlooked—dental health. Lyme disease can cause complications in your mouth. As a result, your dentist in Leawood can play an influential role in restoring your well-being.
Detecting Lyme Disease
Lyme disease occurs when a human is infected with bacteria that is transmitted by the bites from infected blacklegged ticks. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, like fever, rashes, headaches, and fatigue. If it is not treated, it can begin to infect the joints and spread into the heart and nervous system.
Often, a physician can diagnose and treat it quickly using antibiotics; however, it can be overlooked. If they are not able to pinpoint the cause of the changes to your health, they may refer you to a family dentist in Leawood.
Your oral and general health are intertwined. As a result, a dentist can help to detect Lyme disease due to the complications it can produce in your mouth. Certain dental issues can sometimes mask the symptoms of the infection, causing an improper diagnosis. For example, patients who have nonspecific orofacial pain and headaches may be suffering from Lyme disease instead of a temporomandibular disorder.
Lyme disease can produce several dental complications that may be thought to be from another cause. Among the greatest factors is dental toxicity, which can increase neurological symptoms that occur with the disease.
Symptoms can flare after certain dental procedures, like a tooth extraction. After removing a tooth, it can reveal the infection. In other cases, a root canal can contribute to a sinus infection, which may raise the occurrence of dizziness, vision, headaches, and earaches from Lyme disease.
Combating the Complications of Lyme Disease
To restore your oral health and to treat the infection, your dentist must take a biological approach. By considering how your oral and general health are interrelated, they will create a customized treatment plan to improve your health and quality of life.
Dentist Near Me for Lyme Disease
If you are experiencing certain health symptoms that do not have an apparent cause, it may be time to see your dentist. They can help detect Lyme disease to restore your quality of life.
About Dr. Dennis C. Ayer
Dr. Dennis C. Ayer has provided comprehensive advanced dentistry and cosmetic services since 1984. With more than 3,500 hours of continued education, he offers many areas of specialty care. If you have Lyme disease or suspect that there may be a larger issue impacting your oral health, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.