20 Illnesses Your Dentist May Spot
 
I know for a fact that many people are afraid of their Dentist. Whilst reading through the daily papers, 22nd January 2001, I came across this list of ilnesses that your Dentist can easily spot. To my mind, health considerations should cause your fear to subside somewhat especially after checking this page out. The list was in The Mirror Health Supplement.
 
Oral Cancer Visible whitish or reddish patch in the mouth. Mouth ulcers that don't heal. Most oral cancers occur on the side of the tongue, mouth floor, grooves at side of tongue and behind the teeth.
 
Glandular Fever Enlargement of lymph glands with swelling and ulceration at the back of the mouth and in the tonsils region.
 
HIV and Aids Oral thrush common as immune system is compromised. White patches or lesions and ulcers appear. Bone and fibres that support teeth are progressively destroyed leading to loose teeth.
 
Heart Disease Areas of gum affected by disease form pockets that contain one of the highest concentrations of bacteria in the body. These bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause thickening of the blood – resulting in strokes or heart attacks.
 
Measles Also chickenpox. Both can produce spots in the mouth when developing. The dentist may be able to make a diagnosis before other symptoms and spots appear.
 
Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease This viral infection occurs in small epidemics in nursery and schoolchildren and appears as tiny blisters on the hands, feet and in the mouth.
 
Tuberculosis (TB) Infected sputum from the lungs can cause a single large ulcer to appear on the upper surface of the tongue.
 
Crohn's Disease Changes in the texture of the cheeks. The body's digestive system starts at the mouth and problems in the bowel are mirrored there. Swollen, overgrown gums, particularly in the young.
 
Osteoporosis This is bone deterioration and easily detected by your dentist through x-rays and feeling of the jaw bone. A thinning jaw often means there is likely to be low bone mass in other parts of the body.
 
Diabetes Susceptibility to gum disease. Ulcers that take a long time to heal. Breath that smells like pear drops, caused by the body's inability to use glucose properly.
 
Bulimia Erosion to the teeth caused by acid in vomit. Similar symptoms may also be due to reflux of acid from the stomach in your sleep. Known as gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), it's caused by digestive problems.
 
Alcoholism Erosion of teeth is most noticeable in heavy beer and red wine drinkers. Can affect all teeth or the top of the front teeth in particular. Fizzy drinks also commonly erode the front of the teeth.
 
Anæmia Recurrent crops of mouth ulcers. A tongue that is smooth and red. Pale gums and cheeks possibly due to lack of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid.
 
Leukæmia Some forms cause swelling of the gums and bleeding in early stages. Small hæmorrhages in lining of the mouth.
 
Thrush Oral thrush grows as a white plaque inside the mouth. It is associated with immune deficiency diseases such as HIV and can be very suspicious if it appears in a seemingly healthy person.
 
Vitamin Deficiencies A vitamin B12 deficiency or a lack of iron or folic acid in a diet can be associated with recurrent crops of mouth ulcers.
 
Sjogren's Syndrome Also arthritis and lupus. Syndrome causes profound loss of saliva due to changes in the salivary glands. Sufferers commonly middle-aged women, with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus-type conditions.
 
Reactions to medicines Certain drugs used by epileptics, those with heart conditions and transplant patients can cause overgrown gums. Dry mouth is a side effect of many drugs and can increase risk of tooth decay.
 
Child Abuse Dentists are trained to recognise 'non-accidental' damage to the face, jaw and teeth. No legal obligation on dentists to report suspected child abuse but can contact local health authority.
 
Skin Cancer A dentist may be first to spot moles or ulcers on the face that are the early signs of skin cancer. Skin diseases such as pemphigus and pemphigoid cause ulcers and are easy for a dentist to refer on.
 
Stress Grinding the teeth may cause them to get visibly shorter. Teeth grinding may cause headaches and earache and may be linked to stress, anxiety or sleep problems.
 
Depression Worsening of existing gum problems such as bleeding and cold sores may be due to a weak immune system. This can happen after a traumatic event or when the patient is feeling very low.

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