Some health issues that can be detected by conditions in your mouth are:

• Periodontal disease, the advanced form of gum disease that causes tooth loss, is associated with heart disease, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia. Gingivitis, an inflammation of gums around the teeth, can also be an indication of heart disease. Research also found that pregnant women with periodontal disease may be at an increased risk for pre-term or low birth weight babies.
• Bad breath and bleeding or receding gums can be an indication of adult onset (type 2) diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes you need to have regular dental checkups and should take an active role in your oral health between checkups by:
  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day,
  • Flossing daily, and
  • Letting your dentist know you have diabetes.
• Inflamed gums, bad breath, and a metallic taste in your mouth can be symptoms of kidney disease.
• Your dentist can detect signs of osteoporosis through dental x-rays if you jawbone doesn’t look as dense, if you have gum disease that is progressing too fast, or if you are losing teeth. Women who are post menopausal are more prone to osteoporosis.
• Tooth erosion can be a symptom of reflux disease (GERD) which is a backflow of stomach acid into the throat or a symptom of bulimia, a psychological eating disorder that involves binge eating and purging.
• Leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells, has symptoms of swollen gums, bleeding gums, bad breath and impacted teeth.
• Oral cancers can have symptoms such as white spots on the gums, but cancer can occur on any part of the mouth including the lips and tongue.

In most cases, good oral health can be obtained by brushing and flossing daily along with regular trips to your dentist. HealthChoice Dental Plan covers two (2) routine oral examinations and cleanings per year. Be sure to tell your dentist about any recent illnesses you may have had or any new medications you are taking.

Sources: American Dental Association
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