subject: Walnut Creek Dentist - Know 7 Health Issues A Dentist Detects? [print this page] 7 health conditions your dentist may detect first
You might be surprised to know that a dentist is often the first person to spot a number of health conditions, including serious diseases like diabetes and heart disease. All told, more than 90 percent of the systemic diseases of the body are linked to symptoms in the mouth.
1.Red, sore, swollen gums of periodontitis (gum disease) are associated with heart disease and stroke.
2.Sore, pale gums indicate you may be anemic.
3.Bright red, spongy, inflamed gums that bleed easily can be a sign of leukemia.
4.Significant erosion of tooth enamel may signal of eating disorders, such as bulimia, or gastric conditions.
5.If air blowing on your gums makes them bleed, you may be pregnant.
6.Bad breath, dry mouth, bleeding gums and receding gums are often associated with diabetes.
7.White spots and sores that dont heal on your gums and other oral tissues can be signs of oral cancer.
The road to tooth decay and gum disease: Tooth decay and gum disease dont happen overnight. Instead, they take a long and winding road that can lead all the way to periodontal disease and tooth loss.
Tooth Decay: ( > equals 'leads to')
Plaque is a sticky, invisible film that builds up on your teeth, between your teeth, on your gums and under your gums. > Bacteria from food or beverages stick to the plaque. They create an acid that eats away at teeth. Eventually, the bacteria can destroy enough of a tooth to create a cavity. > If the cavity isnt treated, the bacteria eat their way through the tooth to the pulp and the pulp decays. This almost always kills the tooth. Often an abscess (infection) follows. > > > Gum Disease:
When tooth decay is untreated, the bacteria that destroyed the tooth can cause an infection of your gums called gingivitis. > Gingivitis progresses to
periodontitis, a more serious infection. Your gums separate from your teeth and your teeth may become loose or out of alignment. > The infection that started with the build up of plaque travels to the bone that supports your teeth. Gradually, the bone dissolves.
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