An article in the Courier Journal titled, “Dentist Check for Non-Dental Problems” by Michael Binbaum, caught my interest for a number of reasons. The article highlighted the relationship between conditions in your mouth and disease or conditions in the rest of the body.
Not many people associate a healthy mouth with an overall healthy body, but the teeth and mouth can actually say a lot about how healthy a person is. Below are some of the conditions highlighted in the Courier Journal article. Your dentist may be the first to identify these conditions, so don’t miss out on your regular six-month check-ups.
- Type 2 Diabetes—Gums that bleed easily in the absence of plaque or Leukemia
- Acid Reflux—Pitted teeth
- Oral Cancer—White spots of an irregular nature that don’t heal in a couple of weeks
- Kidney Disease—A sweet ammonia breath
- Osteoporosis—Certain dark areas on x-rays
- Bulimia—Front teeth that are very thin or worn away
Your dentist, if diligent, can often detect these conditions before they become tragic and can refer you for an evaluation and/or treatment.
So remember to see your dentist regularly for checkup and screenings. If you’re looking for a new dentist in the Okolona or Highview area, contact our office to schedule an appointment. It might save more than your teeth.