Your overall health is affected by the quality of your oral health and the opposite is also true. This is why a dentist may see signs of another health condition. Our dentists in Shelby Township, MI discuss 8 different health issues and how they manifest oral symptoms below.
1. Anemia
Anemia happens when your body lacks enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. When you’re lacking red blood cells, you can lose color in your tongue and gums which your dentist is likely to notice depending on the extent of your iron deficiency.
People with anemia are generally recommended to take an iron supplement because iron is vital for your body to produce red blood cells.
2. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract which causes abdominal pain, fatigue, malnutrition, and other nasty symptoms. This same inflammation can affect the mouth causing cobblestone-like bumps on the gums around teeth. While those bumps may not be painful, you may also experience recurring canker sores, which will continually hurt until they’re addressed.
3. Diabetes
The is bigger than people, especially those without diabetes, may realize. People with diabetes have a harder time controlling their blood sugar and this is one reason why they are more prone to gum disease.
Higher amounts of sugar in the blood may suppress certain immune responses making it more likely for bacteria to spread and infection to set in. If you notice any of these gum disease symptoms you may want to consult our dentists:
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Swollen or receding gums
- Bright red gums
- Pain while chewing
- Toothache
- Loose teeth
4. Oral Cancer
If you suffer from bleeding sores or have noticed hard lumps in your mouth, these could be precursors to oral cancer. 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. Maintaining proper oral hygiene habits can help lessen the effect of many oral health issues.
5. GERD
If your dentist notices that your bottom and back teeth are especially eroded they may ask if you experience any symptoms of acid reflux also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). You may also notice heightened teeth sensitivity and should ask about how to best protect your teeth.
6. Heart Disease
include inflamed gums, gum disease, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. The same bacteria that builds plaque can cause gum disease and can travel through the bloodstream to your heart and wreak havoc. With enough time and a lack of medical attention, this can cause other health issues like coronary artery disease.
7. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition where joints swell up and become stiff. You may feel pain in your jaw and notice it’s swelling. If you have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ disorder), this may be a sign of RA. Another oral symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is the inability to open your mouth wide.
8. Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s Syndrome is another autoimmune condition where the immune system targets glands in your mouth that produce moisture, like saliva. Without saliva, your mouth dries out and loses the natural defense to wash away bacteria and food particles that can lead to other health problems.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you read a symptom you’re currently experiencing on this list, then don’t wait to give us a call. One of our at Jeffrey T. Baker DDS are happy to help improve your oral health. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (586) 992-9222.
