5 Things Your Dentist Knows About Your Health

By Author: Monica Quinn
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Your dentist can discover important clues about your overall health during a routine dental check-up.

If your tooth enamel is worn down, it could be a sign that you are stressed and grinding your teeth at night. Swollen and receding gums may indicate diabetes, and sores in your mouth that do not heal may indicate oral cancer.

A dentist or periodontist may be the first to notice these symptoms and can advise you on any additional tests or treatments that may be required. Sometimes, they will collaborate closely with your primary care physician to manage your follow-up care.

1. Diabetes
Diabetes patients, both type 1 and type 2, are more likely to develop gum disease. This is because they may be less capable of fighting bacterial infections, including those that occur in the mouth. Furthermore, severe gum disease can make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.

If your dentist suspects you have undiagnosed diabetes, they will refer you to an endocrinologist or primary care physician for testing.

Once you've ...
... been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, your dentist may send status reports to your doctor, informing him, for example, if they suspect your blood sugar isn't well controlled due to difficult-to-treat gum disease.

2. Oral Cancer
A small red or white spot or sore in the mouth is often the first sign of oral cancer. It can appear on your lips, gums, tongue, cheek lining, or elsewhere in your mouth.

Oral cancer screening is typically performed as part of a routine dental exam by your dentist, dental hygienist, or periodontist. Regular check-ups increase the likelihood that any potentially cancerous or precancerous lesions will be detected early and successfully treated. In the case of significant bone loss, an implant dentist’s help will be needed. Also, notify your dentist if you have any symptoms, such as a persistent sore in your mouth, a lump, or pain or numbness anywhere in your mouth or on your lips.

3. Stress
If you've been unconsciously grinding or clenching your teeth, they may be worn down or chipped. This grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to bone loss, which your dentist may detect on X-rays.

Bruxism is usually caused by stress, but it can also occur when the top and bottom teeth are not properly aligned. You may or may not be aware that you have been grinding your teeth, but your dentist will be able to detect the signs.

Your dentist can fit you with a custom mouth guard to wear while sleeping to protect your teeth and keep them apart so your jaw muscles can relax.

4. Premature and Low-Weight Births
According to research, pregnant women with severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, are more likely to have a premature baby with a low birth weight.

Bacteria in a woman's mouth with gum disease can cause an increase in a chemical compound called prostaglandin and other harmful inflammatory molecules. These chemicals can cause premature labor and stunt fetal growth.

It makes sense to take care of your periodontal health as early as possible if you want a healthy and predictable pregnancy.

5. Heart Disease
Because gum disease raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes, you should inform your dentist if you have cardiovascular disease or a family history of these conditions.

Researchers are looking into the connections between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. One possible link is that inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in other parts of the body, including the arteries. This inflammation could contribute to heart attacks or strokes.

You can reduce your risk of stroke or heart attack by treating gum disease and reducing inflammation in your mouth.

If you have a family history of heart disease or stroke, you should take care of your gums to avoid adding to your other risk factors. For example, spending 5 minutes a day brushing and flossing to remove plaque and bacteria is worthwhile if it helps prevent serious heart problems or stroke.

Greetings, my name is Monica. I graduated from New York Medical College and work as a nurse in Queens Hospital at the moment. The thing I love the most is morning jogging, because it is a wonderful way to keep myself in tonus. I like to communicate with people who care about their health. I became a vegetarian five years ago. Now my daily menu consists mainly of vegetables, fruits and different cheeses. I am a member of water polo team and I love gardening. I like to see how huge flowers grow out of the tiny petal, it dazzles me because I love spending my time outdoors. My goal is to visit all the USA parks, and then all over the world)