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By Diane Griffith, HealthAtoZ writer
Did you know that your dentist can detect more than 120 diseases during a routine exam? Whether you have undiagnosed diabetes or could be headed for a stroke, a peek at your teeth and gums can tell your dentist a mouthful about your overall health.
Periodontal disease and diabetes
Ninety-five percent of people with diabetes also have periodontal disease. Some signs are gums that bleed during brushing; red, swollen or tender gums; bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth; and gums that pull away from your teeth.
People with poor blood sugar control have more dental problems than others, and lose more teeth than people who have their diabetes under good control. This is because diabetes lowers resistance and delays healing. When a patient isn't responding to dental treatment, the dentist may suspect undiagnosed diabetes. If you have periodontal disease, your risk for developing diabetes increases.
Other illnesses linked to periodontal disease
People with periodontal disease are more likely than others to acquire certain conditions. Some examples include:
- Heart disease
Studies have shown a connection between the bacteria found in periodontal disease and the bacteria found in heart disease. (However, antibiotics against these bacteria do not prevent heart disease.)
- Prematurity
Pregnant women who have periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to deliver a premature or low-birthweight baby. Almost 20 percent of premature and low-birthweight infant cases can be associated with periodontal disease.
- Respiratory conditions
The bacteria in periodontal disease can aggravate respiratory conditions, traveling to the lower respiratory system.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are more than twice as likely to have periodontal disease than others. They also tend to lose more teeth.
Stroke detection
Dental x-rays can reveal calcifications (blockages) in the carotid arteries of the neck and head. If you have such blockages, you're more likely to suffer from stroke than others. If your dentist notices calcifications on your x-ray, you can be referred to a specialist and preventative measures can be taken.
Oral cancer
Dental examination normally includes a screening for oral cancer, which can be identified by tumors or lesions in the mouth. If caught early, oral cancer can be treated. If not, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Eating disorders
Dentists can spot anorexia and bulimia by redness in the mouth and thin tooth enamel. This is because stomach acid from repetitive vomiting erodes the enamel.
Oral thrush
Oral thrush, a yeast infection, can be detected by a white coating on the tongue and throat. Newborns and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Antibiotics can also cause thrush.
Other conditions
Other conditions your dentist can detect include HIV, thyroid disease, drug abuse, osteoporosis, skin diseases and leukemia.
How your dentist spots certain health problems:
- Heart disease: Jaw pain with exertion.
- Kidney failure: Dry mouth; metallic taste; ulcerated mouth; delayed teething in children.
- Diabetes: "Fruity" breath odor; mouth dryness; mouth infections; rapid tooth decay; burning tongue.
- Anemia: Paleness of gums; irritation at corners of mouth; red, burning tongue.
- Anorexia and bulimia: Sensitive teeth; worn tooth enamel; strong breath; "round" face (caused by enlarged glands).
- HIV: Sores; white patches on sides of tongue; whiteness of tongue caused by oral thrush.
You have more reasons than ever - over 120 of them - to see your dentist regularly. If you haven't had a visit lately, why not make an appointment?
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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