Should You See a MD or a Dentist for Mouth Problems?

Determining whether to see a medical doctor or dentist for issues related to mouth care depends on the symptoms. Family physicians Dr. Alan B. Douglass and Dr. Russell Maier wrote in the October 2008 edition of the peer-reviewed journal, American Family Physician, that the family doctor has a role in the mouth care of patients. Their article notes that most people have a family doctor, but don't have access to regular dental care.

Doctor or Dentist

• Pretty white teeth are not the only reasons to maintain good oral health or mouth care. Healthy teeth are essential to overall health care. According to Medical Unversity of South Carolina researcher Dr. Wanda Gonsalves, writing with colleagues for the October 2008 edition of American Family Practitioner, effective measures are in place for the prevention of the most common dental diseases--tooth decay and gum diseases.

  Adults may also visit the family doctor for mouth care issues because oral pain and gum disease are often linked to premature birth, diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Gonsalves' article stated that because family doctors provide care for nearly 25 percent of America's population, they're in a good position to reduce the impact of mouth care problems and can make an appropriate dental referral when necessary.

  Douglass and Maier noted that many people visit a doctor's office with mouth care issues, such as tooth decay or cavities, gum disease, oral lesions, and acute dental problems such as infections and trauma. Many people don't go to see a dentist because they lack dental insurance, are homebound or institutionalized or have medical reasons, such as arthritis, that hinder good oral health. They noted that the number of dentally uninsured Americans totals more than 100 million. Three out of four dentists do not treat patients with Medicaid insurance; many more do not treat those who are uninsured.

  If your gums frequently swollen and bleed a lot when you brush or floss, you need to make your way to your dentist. Women's Health also suggests that you seek dental care if the dentures you wear irritate your gums or mouth; you have problems swallowing or chewing; you have mouth or jaw pain that won't go away or you have sores that don't heal within two weeks.

  Dr. Gonsalves says collaboration between the medical and dental areas are crucial to effect change for good oral health. She said family doctor visits are an excellent time to help patients to get proper oral health care. Patients can be provided with screening, counseling, and referrals to dentists who are fewer in number than physicians, but can provide the definitive care to those who need it most.