6 Surprising Medical Conditions Your Dental Checkups Can Reveal

You’ve probably been surprised by what your dentist has found during your routine dental checkups before. Maybe it was a cavity that hadn’t started hurting yet or a crack that was too small to see. However, those aren’t the only hidden problems your South Jersey dentist is on the lookout for. Over 90% of systemic, whole-body health problems present warning signs in the mouth that your dentist may recognize well before you do. Here are six health conditions they may be able to help you spot and stop as early as possible.

1.) Diabetes

Patients with diabetes have a weakened immune system, which puts them at a higher risk of gum disease. However, gum disease is also commonly the result of poor oral hygiene. If your dentist notices symptoms of this infections such as bleeding gums, bad breath, and dry mouth even though you’re taking good care of your mouth, they may recommend you see your primary doctor for a blood test.

2.) Oral Cancer

The 6^th most common type of cancer in America is oral cancer. Since this serious issue can easily develop unnoticed until it begins to cause damage or discomfort, cancer screenings are a regular part of your biannual dental checkups. When oral cancer is caught and treated in its early stages, survival rates are over 80%!

3.) GERD or Acid Reflux

Acid reflux (or GERD) causes regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus and mouth. While many patients can identify this issue from the uncomfortable heartburn it causes, some may not if it occurs primarily in their sleep. Stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve the enamel on the back of your teeth if it gets into your mouth, which your dentist can identify as a warning sign of acid reflux.

4.) Intense Stress

Your emotional health takes a toll on your teeth. Feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed can trigger a condition called bruxism, or teeth grinding. Bruxism typically happens during sleep, which can make it difficult for a patient to detect. However, your dentist can easily spot the tell-tale signs of wear and tear on your teeth and other symptoms that indicate this problem. If you have bruxism, they can create a custom-made nightguard to protect your teeth and address the issue.

5.) Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common bone weakening disease. Unfortunately, some patients don’t catch it until it has advanced significantly. Thankfully, early detection of this condition can be as simple as visiting your dentist twice a year! Dental X-rays are a normal part of routine checkups, and they can easily show if there’s an issue with the bone density in your jaw, which could indicate osteoporosis.

6.) Heart Disease

Puffy, red, and easily bleeding gums could tell your dentist that you’re at a higher risk of heart disease. These symptoms allude to gum disease, which research reports can increase a patient’s chances of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular events by 20% or more. As with most issues, the sooner gum disease is detected, the easier and faster it is to treat.

Your dental checkups involve more than just caring for your pearly whites. Make sure to visit your South Jersey dentist twice a year for the good of both your smile and your overall health.

About the Author

The Center for Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry has been serving Hammonton and the surrounding South Jersey communities since Dr. Donald Crescenzo opened it in 1960. Now in the hands of his son Dr. David Crescenzo, generations of families continue to receive the high-quality, personalized dental care they’ve come to expect from this establishment. With a combination of modern dentistry, state-of-the-art equipment, and a focus on patient comfort, Dr. Crescenzo is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health for life. To learn more, he can be contacted via his website or at (609) 561-0058.