Your dentist may be more than just a tooth fairy. A good dentist and hygienist could become your first line of defense against illnesses.

Through their routine oral exams, dentists can detect signs of health problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer.

Diabetes

Did you know that there is a link between gum disease and diabetes? As per the American Dental Association, people with diabetes are at a higher risk for gum disease.

In addition, gum disease can make it harder to control blood glucose levels, making diabetes worse.

A dentist can identify gum disease and check for signs of a diabetes problem by measuring the depth of an individual’s gum pockets.

If the pockets are deep, it could be a sign of gum disease, and dentists might also notice swelling and redness in a patient’s mouth. Through the routine checkup, dentists might see other signs of the disease, such as dry mouth and white patches on the person’s tongue.

High Blood Pressure

An individual who has high blood pressure might not even be aware of it. However, the dentists might identify the problem through a routine visit.

Gum disease could cause the individual’s blood pressure to rise, as the inflammation from the disease causes blood cells to travel faster through the rest of the body.

According to the American Heart Association, 47% of Americans have high blood pressure. A patient might receive feedback from dentists on their blood pressure.

Also, dentists can detect problems with chewing, swallowing, or speaking if an individual’s hypertension is causing oral issues.

Oral Cancer

The earlier dental professionals detect oral cancer, the more likely treatment will be successful. The dentists might spot the signs of oral cancer during a routine checkup. Oral cancer typically shows up in the mouth as small white or red patches.

Dentists would look for lumps or abnormal growths in a patient’s gums, throat, and tongue.

Smoking and excessive use of alcohol can increase the risk of oral cancer. Dentists would ask about lifestyle choices and potential genetic factors that could place an individual at a higher risk of developing oral cancer.

In addition, dentists might use a handheld light to locate any abnormal growths in a person’s mouth to take a closer look.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

GERD is a digestive disorder that leads to acid reflux. GERD can cause a sour taste in the mouth or heartburn. Also, GERD can lead to tooth decay and dental erosion due to the acidic nature of stomach acid.

Dentists would examine a patient’s teeth for signs of erosion, enamel loss, or sensitivity related to GERD.

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In addition, by asking about a patient’s symptoms, dentists might help identify the problem and refer patients to a gastroenterologist for appropriate treatment.

Stress

Stress is a growing concern in today’s fast-paced world, and it can have a significant impact on an individual’s oral health. High levels of stress may cause teeth grinding and clenching leading to tooth damage or jaw pain.

A dentist might check a patient’s teeth for flat chewing surfaces or signs of wear and tear when noticing the patient’s symptoms.

Dentists might provide a night guard or a splint to protect the teeth from further harm. Also, stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or counseling might be recommended to help control the stressful situation.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, can lead to a range of oral health problems.

People who suffer from these eating disorders force a regular vomit attack or overuse laxatives, which increases their risk of tooth enamel erosion, decay, and gum disease.

Dentists could easily spot the symptoms of eating disorders during a dental checkup. Patients with bulimia or anorexia could show signs of dry mouth, swollen glands, or redness in their mouth.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

A deficiency in iron levels can lead to anemia. In some cases, lack of iron can result in geographic tongue (a condition marked by tiny depressions on an individual’s tongue).

Dentists will notice the condition, as it affects an individual’s tongue and lips. A dental professional can diagnose such problems and refer patients to healthcare professionals for appropriate treatment.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition where an individual’s airway becomes blocked, causing them to temporarily stop breathing while asleep.

Individuals with OSA might snore loudly, frequently wake up gasping, or feel extremely sleepy during the day.

Dentists can identify OSA through an oral exam. If they think a patient may have OSA, they can suggest solutions like a custom-made oral appliance that works by repositioning the jaw and keeping the airway open.

Dental Professionals and the Big Picture

Dental professionals can foster healthy lifestyles by collaboratively working with patients’ primary care physicians to reduce the likelihood of illness or disease.

A healthy mouth can lead to greater confidence and overall health. During routine checkups, dental professionals may identify health problems early on and refer patients to appropriate healthcare providers to get the treatment needed.

Conclusion

Dentists are not just experts in cleaning teeth but can also be the first line of defense when it comes to identifying health issues.

By identifying problems like gum disease, high blood pressure, oral cancer, GERD, stress, eating disorders, anemia, and sleep apnea, dental professionals can play a vital role in safeguarding a patient’s overall health. Routine checkups with dentists and hygienists are critical to prevention and early detection of diseases.