7 Medical Conditions Your Dentist May Discover First

Even though your dentist’s priority is to catch and treat dental issues, your regular checkup can tell your dentist a lot about your body. In fact, dentists are often the first to see signs of serious health conditions. Your dentist in Edison is looking at your teeth, but they are also checking all soft tissues in and around the mouth. Continue reading to learn more about the different medical problems a dentist can discover before anyone else.

Crohn’s Disease

This is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause symptoms throughout the digestive system, including the mouth. Often time, it becomes apparent with swollen lips and dime-sized ulcers in the mouth, particularly on the inside of the cheeks and lips. They generally have a white center and red circle around them. If your dentist thinks Crohn’s disease could be the culprit, they will recommend that you see your family physician.

Oral Cancer

Did you know that oral cancer is the sixth common cancer in America? This is something that your dentist checks for during your regular visits. When it is caught early on, you are much more likely to make a full recovery. Risk factors include smoking, heavy drinking, and HPV.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Most people with this condition recognize it with uncomfortable heartburn symptoms. However, there are many signs that your dentist can recognize as well. When your stomach acid regurgitates into the esophagus and mouth, it can dissolve tooth enamel and create erosive lesions in the back of the mouth.

Osteoporosis

This condition can be difficult to detect because it doesn’t usually have obvious symptoms. Many people don’t know they have it until they break a bone or take a bone density test. However, your dentist may be able to pick up on this. If you are experiencing bone loss in the mouth, this often indicates that it is also occurring elsewhere in the body.

Anemia

When a patient has a pale lining of their mouth, this could indicate that their body doesn’t have enough red blood cells circulating. Anemia can also cause the tongue to lose its bumpy texture and appear more smooth.

Diabetes

Oral health and diabetes are more closely related than you may think. Bleeding, gum recession, dry gums, and loose teeth are all oral symptoms of diabetes. This is because patients who have diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. Your dentist will likely recommend that you see your primary care doctor. When your blood sugar is under control, your smile is likely to be as well. The same thing goes the other way around. Better oral care can improve your blood sugar levels.

Heart Disease

If your gums are swollen, red, and bleeding, this could be a sign of heart disease. Gum disease can put you at risk for both coronary artery disease and heart disease. This is because bacteria can travel to your heart and form blood clots or build up plaque in your arteries.

Going to the dentist is about more than just keeping your smile looking pretty. These regular checkups could save your life!

About the Author

Dr. Hiren H. Shah is a well experienced dentist who has been practicing for well over a decade. He earned his dental doctorate from New York University and is a member of both the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association. For more information on dental checkups or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah, visit his website or call (908) 834-8448.