Digestive Problems Diagnosed during Dental Exam

Your next dental checkup could reveal a lot more about your dental health than you ever imagined. A professional cleaning and biannual checkup are essential to maintaining good dental health, but a peek inside your mouth can also provide valuable information about the state of your overall health and offer clues about your digestive system.

Diabetes can often interfere with dental health and is associated with periodontal disease. Those who have diabetes may be more likely to develop gum disease, and those with gum disease may be more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

GERD may also reveal signs of itself in your teeth. Gastroesophageal reflux disease may cause few noticeable symptoms, but the acid washing up over your teeth at night may wear away the enamel of your teeth, particularly your molars, and leave them more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Bulimia or severe morning sickness can also lead to increased enamel loss and dental decay. Any major systemic health issue may lead to oral symptoms. Pancreatic cancer, kidney disease, heart disease and leukemia can all be linked to swollen or inflamed gums, mouth sores or dry mouth.

If our dentist notices concerning symptoms, you may be advised to seek follow-up care with your primary care physician. In the meantime, an improved oral health regimen may be able to help you prevent dental conditions associated with certain overall health problems. Brush your teeth after meals, floss daily and use fluoridated mouth rinse to help your teeth remineralize more quickly. If vomiting is a problem, rinse your mouth with water rather than brushing afterwards in order to prevent further enamel damage. Contact Los Angeles dentist, Dr. Afar, today to schedule your appointment.