Your Dentist is Looking for More Than Just Cavities

What do you expect when you visit your dentist?  They clean your teeth, give you some advice on where to brush, and worst case scenario they find a cavity, right?  Everybody knows that seeing a dentist is important for good oral hygiene, but it may actually be more important than you realize.  Here are just some of the non-dental medical issues that can be caught during a dental checkup.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States.  During your visit, a dentist can perform an oral cancer screening to check for red and white patches or sores in your mouth, as well as lumps or other warning signs.  The survival rate is much higher when diagnosed in the early stages.

Diabetes

It may surprise you to know that blood sugar has a major effect on oral health, which means your mouth may show warning signs of diabetes.  This includes loose teeth as well as receding, bleeding gums.  It’s important to note that bleeding gums are also a sign of gum disease, so your dentist may suggest a visit to the doctor to get a blood glucose check.

Infections

If your mouth suffers an injury or heals improperly after a dental procedure, it could become infected.  An infection might cause pain, swelling, redness, tooth drainage, and other symptoms; if left untreated, it may spread to other areas of the body and cause even more damage.  If your dentist finds signs of an infection, they may be able to prescribe antibiotics to prevent it from getting worse.

Osteoporosis

Loose teeth and a receding gum line may be a sign of osteoporosis; when the bones supporting your teeth change, it has an effect on your mouth.  A dentist takes note of patients who are at risk for this condition (particularly older women) and may recommend a doctor’s visit to confirm.

HIV

Adults suffering from HIV may have oddly colored spots on their tongues or their mouths, and they may also suffer from oral warts and lesions.  In addition, children with HIV may have dry mouth.  If your dentist thinks you may have HIV, they’ll most likely ask you to see your doctor for some blood tests.

Other Potential Problems

There are even more ways your mouth may be a sign of larger problems.  Stress may cause you to grind your teeth and wear them down.  Vomiting caused by bulimia may erode your teeth over time.

It’s incredibly important to visit your dentist twice a year so that problems like these can be caught early on; the sooner they’re found, the easier they’ll be to treat. Not only will this help keep your smile healthy, but it could also be an important step in protecting your overall health.

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis practices all kinds of dentistry at Wethersfield Dental Group.  She encourages proactive and preventive dental care for patients of all ages, and she strives to make patients feel comfortable and relaxed during their visits.  She is continuing her education to keep up with the latest advances in dentistry.  To learn more about her practice, visit her website or call at (860) 400-3007.