Most of us think that going to the dentist only benefits our oral health. Since our mouth is a reflection of our health, your dentist can take a peek at what’s happening inside your body. In this post, we will discuss the six medical conditions that can manifest in your mouth:
Diabetes
Many patients go to the dentist due to their persistent bad breath. However, in some cases, dentists discover other dental conditions like bleeding and swollen gums. While these are possible signs of gum disease, dental professionals would refer the patients to their primary care physician for further examination.
The manifestations of diabetes in the mouth are common in the elderly where their risks increase with their age.
Cancer
During routine oral exams, dentists can also detect any lumps or sores in your gums, tongue, cheeks, and even on your neck. Any spreading or thickening sore or lump in your mouth and neck can be a sign of oral cancer. If your dentist finds a suspicious symptom, you will be subjected to an oral cancer screening test to confirm if you have cancer.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is hard to detect due to the lack of early warning signs. Doctors can only rule out an osteoporosis case when a patient had a fracture and receives a bone density scan. However, your dentist can detect osteoporosis before you even experience a fracture due to oral conditions like:
- Bone loss around the teeth and in the jaw
- Tooth loss
- Poorly-fitting dentures
- Gum disease
Anemia
If your dentist notices symptoms like pale tissues and gums and a smooth tongue, it can be an indication of anemia. Dentists will also check for your medical history and current medications to understand if your other health conditions are causing you to be anemic.
GERD or Acid Reflux
Though signs of GERD are often associated with frequent heartburns and chest pains, your dentist can find some clues on your throat and teeth. When the stomach acid goes up to your esophagus, It can leave some damages to your throat. If your dentist finds some lesions on your throat and signs of tooth erosion, you will be referred to a physician for further examination.
Detecting conditions like GERD is crucial since some patients are not aware that they have the disease and only experience the symptoms while sleeping.
HIV
HIV is another disease that is often undetected unless a symptom starts to appear. Your dentist can help diagnose early signs of HIV in the mouth by considering the gravity and frequency of the symptoms. Patients with HIV are prone to have the following dental conditions:
- Dry mouth
- Outbreaks of herpes simplex virus
- Canker sores and mouth ulcers
- Thrush
- Oral hairy leukoplakia
- Red band gingivitis
- Ulcerative periodontitis
- Kaposi Sarcoma
Visiting your dentist is more than a perfect smile. Your oral health is a window to your overall health, and regular dental visits contribute to the early detection and prevention of diseases.
Let our team keep you healthy through our routine dental exams. As a trusted dentist in Florissant, our duty at Soft Touch Dental is to promote healthy living and ensure your safety against dental conditions and health problems. Schedule an appointment now and let our dentists take a peek at your health status.
