Serious health problems your dentist can detect

While dentists may focus on the teeth, their diagnosis often signals other issues your body might face, because the mouth surprisingly holds several clues about other more serious and dangerous diseases.

Because of this, early detection and prevention is key to negate any further damage these illnesses can cause. Here are some of the top diseases your dentists may detect before they become worse:

Diabetes

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Oral health and diabetes management are closely intertwined, as those with good oral health are more likely to have good blood sugar control.

Bleeding, dry gums, dry mouth, and loose teeth are all symptoms of gum disease, but may actually also be signs of diabetes. A good dentist will immediately recommend a blood test once they suspect any sign of diabetes.

Oral cancer

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Regular dentist visits will often catch any signs of oral cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in the world, but with almost an 80 percent survival rate in its earliest stage.

It manifests as white and red regions on the tongue, mouth floor, and behind the tongue.

Anemia

A pale mouth is usually a sign that there is not enough blood flowing through it. This may also mean that anemia could be present, which is the condition where there is a lack of red blood cells in the body.

The Price of a Hollywood Smile

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This disease is often manifested by inflammatory bowels, cramps, and diarrhea.

In a 2010 study by the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, it has been revealed that swollen lips and ulcers on the cheeks and lips might be symptoms of a far greater illness.

Gastrointestinal reflux disease

This disease takes on the form of stomach acid which goes to the esophagus and mouth which can dissolve the enamel.

It can be felt by most through heartburn, and several reports have noted that some people only feel it when they sleep.