When you see your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups, you are probably most focused on your oral health. While this is the top priority of your dentist, the truth is that they are looking for all sorts of different things, and some of them affect your entire body. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, so it only makes sense that your oral health and general health are closely related. Continue reading to learn about some of the medical conditions that your dentist may discover first.
Anemia
This condition is very common throughout the world. In fact, the World Health Organization reports that anemia affects about 1.6 billion people across the globe. This is about 24% of the world’s population. If you aren’t personally struggling with anemia, you likely know someone who is. This condition occurs when your body isn’t producing enough red blood cells. This can be detected by your dentist because some symptoms become visible in the mouth. Anemia can cause the lining of the mouth to appear pale, and the tongue can lose its bumpy texture.
Crohn’s Disease
This condition affects many different areas in the body, including your mouth. Some of the oral symptoms that people with this disease might experience include swollen lips and dime-sized ulcers on the inside of the cheeks. These ulcers are typically white in color with a red halo around them. If your dentist notices these symptoms and thinks that you might have Crohn’s Disease, they will likely recommend that you see your family physician to have your symptoms examined further.
Diabetes
Did you know that gum disease has a link to diabetes? Most of the time, gum disease is related to poor oral hygiene, but having diabetes can make it more likely that you develop it. High blood sugar can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infections, including those in the mouth. When you have an infection, this can also make it more challenging to keep your blood sugar levels under control. If your dentist notices inflammation, gum recession, wiggly teeth, or bleeding of the gums, this could be a contributing factor.
Osteoporosis
Since this condition doesn’t have very many symptoms, many people don’t even notice that they have it until they find themselves with a broken bone or they take a bone density test. However, it is possible that your dentist could notice. If you experience jawbone shrinkage, this could point to osteoporosis.
Seeing your dentist for regular checkups is more important than you might think. In addition to keeping your smile in good condition, it could even save your life!
About the Author
At NU Dental Brick, Dr. Admasu Gizachew and Dr. Norman Margolies work together to treat patients in the Brick Township community. Dr. G has completed two years of state-of-the-art dental implant training at Rutgers University, as well as residencies at Bellevue, Gouverneur, NYU, and Coler-Goldwater hospitals. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (732) 475-7535.