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gums as healthy as possible to reduce
risk factors.
Osteoporosis
This weakening of the bones, most
common in post-menopausal women,
can be detected by the changes in the
bone that supports the teeth. This can
present as a receding gum line or loose
teeth.
Eating Disorders
The poor nutrition of someone
with an eating disorder can be seen
through bleeding gums and dry
mouth, as well as erosion on the
insides of the front teeth, which can
indicate forced vomiting. Stomach acid
wears away at enamel and makes teeth
more sensitive.
Nighttime Reflux
Erosion of enamel from the insides
of the teeth and the upper back molars
can indicate gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD). For some, reflux of
stomach juice happens at night and a
patient may not be aware of it.
Dry Mouth
Health Threats Your Dentist Can Detect
By Angela S.
Hoover,
Staff Writer
Dentists are the
health professionals
we hate to love. Some
people have severe fear of the dentist’s
chair, but almost everyone dreads the
potential bad news or pain from a visit
to the dentist. Despite our dread or
fears, we know it’s vital to see dentists
for cleanings and corrective repair,
and the link between oral health and
overall health has been clearly shown.
Furthermore, dentists can also identify
signs of health threats. Following are
some of the most common indicators
of overall health dentists can detect.
Diabetes
Gum disease is more prevalent in
people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes
due to a decreased ability to fight bacterial infections. Serious gum disease
can make it more difficult for people
with diabetes to manage their blood
sugar. Of course, gum disease is commonly seen in people without diabetes. The delineating difference that can
indicate diabetes is when a patient has
frequent gum abscesses, swelling, a lot
of bone loss in a short amount of time,
and normal treatment does not reduce
the gum disease.
Oral Cancer
The first sign of oral cancer is usually a small red or white spot or sore on
the lips, gums, tongue, cheek lining or
other parts of the mouth. Oftentimes,
a patient will not see this spot or sore
due to its small size or location.
Stress
Bruxism is the term for worn down
or chipped teeth from clenching or
grinding. This can happen when the
top and bottom teeth are not properly aligned. However, when there is
proper alignment, teeth grinding and
clenching is a sign of stress. Bruxism
can eventually cause bone loss, which
can lead to more health problems.
Premature and LowWeight Births
Studies suggest pregnant women
with gum disease are more likely
to deliver a premature or low-birth
weight baby. It is believed that the
bacteria from gum disease can trigger
an increase in a chemical compound
called prostaglandin and other harmful
inflammatory molecules, which induce
early labor and impair fetal growth.
More research into this continues.
Heart Disease
Gum disease has been linked with
an increased risk of heart attacks and
strokes. One potential link is inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in other parts of the body,
including arteries. Another link is the
bacteria in the gums could travel to
the heart and contribute to coronary
artery disease. The bacteria may also
contribute to the formation of clots or
further plaque build-up in the arteries
that can interfere with blood flow to
the heart. People with a family history
of heart disease or stroke are advised
to be extra vigilant in keeping their
Saliva is needed to wash away
bacteria and debris that can lead to
cavities and gum disease. A dentist can
determine if a patient is producing too
little saliva, which can be caused by
medications or be a sign of diabetes or
Parkinson’s disease.
Dementia
Poor hygiene in general can be a
symptom of dementia, due to the
gradual loss of cognitive function that
causes confusion, loss of memory and
disorganization. An unhealthy mouth
can be a signal of dementia, but it can
also be a risk factor for causing dementia, according to research published in
the Journal of the American Geriatric
Society.
HOMING KIM, D.D.S.
Periodontal Gum Specialist
FREE CONSULTATION
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Toll Free 888.345.2822
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Homing Kim DDS