When you go in for your regular dental checkup every six months, you probably think that it is all about keeping your teeth healthy. While this is the main priority of your dentist, the truth is that they check for much more beyond dental issues. In fact, your mouth says a lot more about your body than you may think. There are all sorts of conditions that your dentist may spot faster than anyone else. A dentist in Midlothian shares a few of them.
Anemia
This condition is incredibly common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anemia affects about 1.62 billion people across the globe. That’s 24.8% of the world’s population. Even if you aren’t struggling with anemia, you probably know someone who is. This condition occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells in circulation. This can be detected by your dentist because a few symptoms that become apparent in the mouth. It can cause the lining of the mouth to appear pale and the tongue to lose its bumpy texture.
Crohn’s Disease
This condition affects many areas of the body, including the mouth. Some oral symptoms include swollen lips and dime-sized ulcers on the inside of the cheeks. They are typically white in the center and have a red halo around them. If your dentist notices these symptoms and thinks that you could have Crohn’s disease, they may recommend that you see your family physician to have them checked out.
Diabetes
A lot of the time, periodontal disease and diabetes are related. Poor oral hygiene is usually the main factor that contributes to gum disease but having high blood sugar can worsen infections all over the body, including those in the mouth. When you have an infection, it can be more difficult to control your blood sugar as well. If your dentist notices inflammation, gum recession, wiggly teeth, or bleeding of the gums, this could be the perpetrator.
Osteoporosis
This condition does not have many symptoms. Many people don’t realize that they even have it until they end up with a fractured bone or take a bone density test. However, it’s possible that your dentist could pick up on it. If you are experiencing jawbone shrinkage, this could indicate that you are experiencing a loss of density elsewhere in the body as well due to osteoporosis.
Heart Disease
If you have painful, swollen, or bleeding gums, this could point to heart disease. Of course, this isn’t always the case. Gum disease can put you at higher risk of coronary artery disease and heart disease. This happens when bacteria in the mouth travel to the heart and form blood clots or build up plaque in the arteries.
Having excellent oral health is more important than you may think. Catching these issues early on is key when it comes to getting the treatment you need.
About the Author
Dr. Jay Oza earned his dental degree from New York University and is committed to taking numerous courses of continuing education to stay on top of all the latest advances in the dental field. Currently, he is a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and For Worth Dental Society. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (682) 772-3072.