Non-Dental Health Issues Your Dentist Can Identify During a Visit

Dentists can identify, treat, and prevent various oral health problems. They are instrumental in promoting good dental hygiene and overall wellness. A dentist is a doctor who receives training like that of a medical doctor and can identify non-dental health issues during an examination. In recognition of National Dentist Day on 6 March, we highlight a few health conditions your dentist can detect.

Non-dental illnesses your dentist can detect.

Anaemia: Your dentist may ask if you are anaemic if there is a loss of colour in your gums, tongue, and other parts of your mouth. Persons who are anaemic do not have enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to their organs. Your dentist might encourage you to visit a medical doctor for a haemoglobin test if they detect that you are anaemic.

Diabetes: People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes often struggle with periodontal disease. Receding, dry, bleeding gums, dry mouth, and loose teeth are symptoms of people with diabetes. Periodontitis can cause loosening of teeth and gum shrinkage. If you have gingivitis and your dentist notices that you have frequent swollen gums and abscesses and that it takes longer to recover, they may suggest a diabetes evaluation.

Osteoporosis: Dental X-rays can be used to check for osteoporosis most commonly among postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis can affect the bones in your jaw that anchor your teeth. If you practice good dental care but have receding gums or loose teeth without signs of periodontal disease, this could be a sign of osteoporosis.

Heart disease: Gum disease is common but preventable. However, plaque-feeding bacteria can enter the bloodstream through damaged gums, creating severe problems if untreated. Missing or loose teeth with deep gum pockets could signify to your dentist that bacteria have travelled to your heart. Bacteria may increase the risk of coronary artery disease, clots and plaque in arteries, and endocarditis.

HIV or AIDS: Oral thrush often occurs in infants and toddlers. It is a yeast infection in the mouth that produces white and yellow patches of bumps on the lips, tongue, tonsils, gums, or inner cheeks. Oral thrush is a common mouth problem for people with HIV or AIDS. Dry mouth, cold sores, warts from the human papillomavirus (HPV) and gum disease are also linked to HIV/AIDS.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux causes acid from your stomach to regurgitate into the oesophagus and can lead to chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and heartburn. This condition damages the tooth enamel. The acid can cause dry mouth, bad breath, and canker sores. A dentist may detect signs of GERD since acid reflux can damage tooth enamel. They might ask about your medications to better understand what’s happening.

If your dentist has noticed a non-dental problem and suggests that you see a medical doctor, you can use Find Yello to locate one to help you.

Sources: WebMD, Healthline, The Healthy, 123 Dentist, and MGA Dental.