Regular dental exams not only help to decrease a patient's
risk of oral diseases, such as cavities and periodontal (gum) disease, but they
may also help to diagnose other, sometimes life-threatening, medical
conditions.
Dentists are able to assess a patient's overall oral health
and may recognize symptoms of serious diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and
eating disorders, which often manifest as signs and symptoms inside of the
mouth.
Diabetes
More than 25 million people in the United States alone
suffer from diabetes.
"Because diabetes reduces the body's resistance to
infection, the gums are at risk for gingivitis, an inflammation usually caused
by the presence of bacteria in plaque," says Academy of General Dentistry
(AGD) spokesperson Julie Ann Barna, DMD, MAGD. "Additionally, those with
diabetes can experience high incidences of oral fungal infections and
persistent bad breath."
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers, with
approximately 35,000 new cases reported annually in the United States.
"Indicators of oral cancer may include bleeding sores,
lumps, or thick, hard spots, as well as changes in the way teeth fit
together," says Dr. Barna.
Oral cancer is sometimes difficult to self-diagnose, so
routine dental exams are recommended. A dentist will feel for lumps or
irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, cheeks, and oral cavity and
thoroughly examine the soft tissues in your mouth, specifically looking for any
sores or discolored tissues.
Eating Disorders
"Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and
bulimia nervosa, can rob the body of much-needed vitamins and minerals,"
says Dr. Barna. "Without proper nutrition, the gums can lose their healthy
pink color and become increasingly soft and tender, bleeding easily."
Disorders that involve excessive vomiting, such as bulimia,
can cause discoloration and erosion of the teeth due to constant contact with
acid from the stomach. People who have eating disorders also may experience
swollen salivary glands, dry mouth, sensitive teeth, and loss of tooth enamel.
Diseases negatively impact your general health, but they
also can damage your oral health. Regularly scheduled dental exams
allow dentists to detect or monitor your health.
"Patients should inform their dentists about any and
all medical conditions and medicines that may affect their oral health, as well
as any changes in their medical history," says Dr. Barna. "Remember,
maintaining a healthy body includes taking care of your oral health.
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