10 Serious Health Conditions your Dentist Can Spot

A look at 10 ailments and their symptoms

Your next dental visit could save your life. According to the American Dental Association, growing research shows there may be a link between oral health and serious health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Dr. Joseph Kravitz of the Center for Dental Health in Washington, D.C. says it’s not uncommon for a dentist to notice red flags in your mouth that are symptoms of a bigger health problem. “Simple symptoms such as swollen gums or bad breath can be the first clue to a major health issue and quite often it’s your dentist who’s the first on the case.”

Here is a look at the ten ailments and their symptoms:

1 Oral Cancer. A typical symptom is white spots on the gums, but it can strike any part of the  mouth, including lips and tongue. It often appears as a tiny growth or sore that doesn’t go away. It is characterized by pain, tenderness or numbness. You may have difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your jaw or tongue.

2 Heart Disease. A strong indicator of heart disease is pericoronitis, an infection around the third molar. The illness is also linked to root remnants, where teeth decay to the point that only a small piece of the root remains. Gingivitis (inflammation of gums around the teeth) is also an indication of heart disease as well as excess cavities and missing teeth.

3 Adult Onset Diabetes (Type II Diabetes). Bad breath, dry mouth and bleeding or receding gums can be a symptom of adult onset diabetes. Diabetics tend to get periodontal disease 3 - 4 times as often as people without diabetes.

4 Kidney Disease. A foul or metallic taste in your mouth could mean kidney problems. That’s due to a buildup of wastes in the blood (called uremia) that can make food taste different and cause bad breath.

5 Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is a backflow of acid from the stomach into the throat or esophagus. It differs from the occasional heartburn because the painful burning sensation occurs 1 – 2 times per week. Tooth erosion is the symptom dentists would look for.

6 Osteoporosis. An oral health assessment and dental x-rays can point out osteoporosis (bone loss). Your dentist can discover signs of the disease if your jawbone doesn’t look as dense, if gum disease is progressing too rapidly, or if you’re losing teeth. Women are especially vulnerable to tooth loss after menopause.

7 Leukemia. Symptoms a dentist can spot that might indicate leukemia (a cancer of the blood cells – usually the white blood cells) include swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath or impacted teeth.

8 Stress. Common symptoms of stress include headaches, aching teeth, jaw or neck. Often the problem is caused by poorly aligned bites or missing teeth. Another cause is grinding or clinching your teeth while you sleep. The grinding can eventually lead to damaged or lost teeth.

9 Sleep Apnea. If you snore loudly and often wake up gasping for air you many have sleep apnea. Your sleeping partner can certainly help you notice the symptoms. Often your dentist can help by fitting you with a dental appliance or oral device designed to combat Sleep Apnea.

10 Bulimia. One of the most common signs of Bulimia (a psychological eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging) is erosion of tooth enamel because of the repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents. Other common symptoms are cavities and sensitivity to hot and cold foods.

*From On the Marc Media (www.pitchengine.com), March 13, 2009