ADA offers dental self check test for seniors

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) says that taking a look inside the mouth may provide a snapshot of the overall health of the body, especially for those aged over 55 years.

Speaking during 2009 Dental Health Week, ADA president Dr Neil Hewson, said indicators for a range of serious diseases that particularly confront those over 55 such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, oral cancers and even Alzheimer’s and Hodgkin’s disease, could often be detected by examination of patients’ mouths.

For example, current evidence suggests periodontal disease (bacterial infection in the gums around the teeth) can lead to systemic inflammation in the arteries, which can in turn lead to cardiovascular disease.

“As Australians get older,they have an increased susceptibility to some common illnesses and early diagnosis of these can prevent some serious consequences,” Dr Hewson said.

As part of Dental Health Week 2009 and its focus on those over 55, the ADA has developed an easy self-check test which can assist in the detection of these conditions. To take the ADA’s online selfcheck test, visit http://www.ada.org.au