4 Surprising Health Conditions That Your Dentist Might Discover

When you go to visit your dentist, you’ve probably got your smile in mind—after all, seeing your provider twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings is an integral part of oral wellness, as well as maintaining a gorgeous grin! However, did you know that during these visits dentists sometimes uncover problems that don’t have anything to do with your pearly whites? Here’s a closer look at four of these issues and why you’ll be glad that your dentist is keeping an eye out for them!

1. Hypertension

Hypertension, also simply referred to as high blood pressure, is quite easy for dentists to detect. A person’s blood pressure might be taken before a dental cleaning, as well as other types of procedures, especially those that require a local anesthetic. If your blood pressure is higher than normal, your dentist will be able to let you know so you can seek treatment before it begins to cause other issues.

2. Diabetes

Untreated diabetes can lead to a wide variety of medical issues, with one of the most notable being cardiovascular disease. However, the heightened blood sugar levels can also lead to disruptions in the oral microbiome, which includes all of the friendly bacteria that live inside the mouth. This can trigger gum disease and other issues that affect the teeth and jawbone. If a dentist sees these problems unfolding, they might be able to trace it back to undiagnosed diabetes.

3. Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the US, with over 50,000 cases diagnosed annually. However, as prevalent as it is, it’s also among the more treatable types—and thankfully, it’s quite easy for dentists to detect! The cancer often manifests as red and white lesions, but they’re often painless and tough for patients to detect on their own. Every dental checkup includes an oral cancer screening in which your provider will examine all of your oral structures, including the tongue, floor of the mouth, and other areas for concerning symptoms.

4. GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, abbreviated as GERD, is associated with uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn due to stomach content flowing back up into your esophagus and mouth. The problem is that this stomach acid that’s getting forced back up has a pH that’s even lower than vinegar, and it can dissolve tooth enamel and create painful lesions in the back of the mouth. If your dentist notices these symptoms, they’ll let you know so you can see your doctor.

The bottom line is that your dentist can truly help you get your overall health back on track by identifying issues that trigger symptoms inside of your mouth. That said, don’t hesitate to set up your next checkup if it’s been over six months since your last one!

About the Practice

Under the leadership of Dr. Robert and Heather Heil, the talented team at Dental Expressions has proudly served patients and families in the Freedom, WI community for several years. They’re thrilled to offer a wide range of services including various preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options, all of which are aimed at brightening your smile and ensuring its well-being. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up your next visit, feel free to visit their website or call them today! Telephone: (920) 788-6280.