The mouth is commonly described as a window to the body. The teeth and gums are sometimes the first indicator that there is a medical problem in another system. It’s important to remember that your mouth is not a separate entity, somehow separate from what’s happening in the rest of your body; instead, it’s intricately intertwined.
While your internist may not examine your teeth, or your dentist doesn’t listen to your heart, each doctor is looking for clues that link the systems together. It’s commonly known that poor oral health can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and arthritis; however, it is also important to be aware of changes in your mouth that could also be a consequence of these other systems failing.
While we at Josey Lane are trained to catch the following red flags, it is important for you to be on the lookout as well.
Type II Diabetes
Red and swollen gums can occur if oral health routines slip; however, while periodontal disease is incredibly common, if it doesn’t clear up quickly it can also be an indicator of type II diabetes.
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth that infect the gum tissue and cause plaque. Poorly managed blood sugar—common in those not-yet diagnosed with diabetes—causes damage to blood vessels which leads to oxygen restriction and nutrition deprivation to the gums and bones.
Higher glucose levels in saliva create a breeding ground for bacteria. Weak gums and bone will be targeted by the bacteria and result in oral health diseases. In other words, oral health is all interwoven into your overall health.
Acid Reflux
Bad breath is not only a sign that you need to brush your teeth, it’s also a sign you might be experiencing acid reflux. If you are following the American Dental Association’s recommended brushing and flossing guidelines, but are sill experiencing chronic bad breath, you could have a medical problem like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD causes stomach acids to rise back up in the stomach, and sometimes into the mouth. Since the reflux symptoms can happen at night while you sleep, your dentist might be the first person to notice due to tooth erosion from the excess acids, too.
Autoimmune Diseases
If you are experiencing severe dry mouth (and aren’t on any medications that cause this side effect), then you could be showing a possible sign of an autoimmune disease. Most doctors and dentists commonly associate dry mouth with Sjogren’s syndrome, which is caused by the body attacking the glands that make saliva and tears.
Prolonged dry mouth can lead to an increased risk of cavities. In addition, Sjogren’s syndrome commonly accompanies other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. If you are experiencing extreme dry mouth, it is important you make an appointment with your doctor.
Celiac’s Disease
While many people assume Celiac’s disease only presents with gastrointestinal issues, it is also common for this disease to affect the enamel on your teeth. Dental enamel problems that result from Celiac’s disease can present as tooth discoloration, pitting of the teeth, or teeth that appear translucent. Unfortunately, tooth defects that result from Celiac’s are permanent, and not able to be reversed after adopting a gluten-free diet.
Good mouth health coupled by trips to the dentists can do more than give you a shiny smile and clean feeling. It can help to identify serious illnesses or disorders that could have gone unnoticed by a general practitioner. Any change you notice in your teeth or gums should be taken seriously and you should consult with a medical professional. If you are currently experiencing changes, call our dentists at Josey Lane for an appointment.
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