Are your teeth giving you trouble? The cause could be connected to an oral issue; however, it could also be a sign of a bigger medical problem. It is important to understand that the human body works through interconnected systems. As a result, our Troy, MI, dentists are sometimes able to predict serious medical issues using symptoms they discover during routine dental checkups.
This article is in no way meant to act as a substitute for seeing a medical professional. If you suspect a more widespread problem with your health, don’t hesitate to contact your primary care doctor for further examination and testing.
Here are some of the more serious medical issues that your smile can expose along with their oral symptoms.
1. Diabetes
Gum disease can be a strong indicator of diabetes. The main include gingivitis, which is reversible, and the more serious periodontitis, which is not. If you have a family history of diabetes, it may be worth having a conversation with our dentists about the symptoms. Inside of our Troy, MI, dental office, we are always concerned with meeting the individual needs of our patients.
Related Post → 7 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
Diabetes has the tendency to decrease your resistance to infection, increasing your risk for gingivitis. Plaque rich in bacteria can travel into your bloodstream, causing inflammation. In addition to gum disease, you should also be conscious of other symptoms which include bad breath, bleeding gums, oral fungal infections, and loose teeth.
Don’t let it get too far out of control. If you are having troubles with your teeth, schedule an appointment with us today.
2. Heart Disease
Are you too old to have loose teeth? While your child or grandchild may be excited to put a tooth underneath their pillow, loose teeth are less than desirable in adults. Loose teeth can be a symptom for many issues; one among these is heart disease.
Inflamed gums and gum disease are other . Especially in the case of periodontitis, gum-borne bacteria have been known to pass through the bloodstream and into your heart. Conditions such as coronary artery disease can be agitated by the internal onslaught of bacteria.
At Mosaic Dental, we have access to your family medical history so that we can be aware of potential medical problems, oral or otherwise. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you notice any emerging oral issues.
3. Oral Cancer
No one likes to hear the word “cancer”. However, it is necessary to discuss the . If you suffer from bleeding sores or have noticed hard lumps in your mouth, these could be precursors to oral cancer. Another major sign is if your bite no longer aligns properly due to unexplained growths.
Read More → How to Stay Healthy Between Oral Cancer Screenings
While there may be other factors to consider, it is always best to be on the safe side. If you suspect a larger medical issue, please bring it to our attention so that we can address it properly at an oral cancer screening.
4. Osteoporosis
As we get older, our bones have the tendency to weaken and become brittle. When this happens, we become more susceptible to bone breakage. The loss of tissue associated with osteoporosis can also be noted in your mouth. Loose teeth and a receding gum line may be key signs that a diagnosis of osteoporosis may not be far behind.
5. Eating Disorders
While people who have are obviously aware of their actions, sometimes their behavior is purposely concealed from their medical professionals. It is difficult for our patients to get the help they need when they are not forthcoming about activities that negatively affect their health.
In particular, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa deprive the body of vitamins and minerals needed for proper nutrition. The loss of tooth enamel, especially on the insides of the front teeth, can be a telltale sign of an eating disorder. Other symptoms include dry mouth, sensitive teeth, and bleeding gums.
6. Dementia
One of the early signs of dementia ispoor oral hygiene, as patients often forget whether or not they’ve brushed their teeth. It turns out that poor dental hygiene might actually increase your risk of dementia to begin with: scientists now think that the bacteria that causes gum disease might be able to travel to the brain and cause cognitive impairments in elderly patients.
7. Kidney Disease
When your kidneys aren’t working properly, the effects can be felt throughout the body. One of the symptoms of kidney disease is foul or sweet-smelling breath, sometimes accompanied by dry mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor or our dentists about a possible diagnosis.
Schedule an Appointment Today
A checkup every six months (twice a year) with our dentists in Troy, MI, is important. The visit not only allows us to get ahead of more serious problems, but also to establish a baseline for what your “normal” is. Contact us today by calling Mosaic Dental at (248) 528-2270.
This blog post has been updated.
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