Nearly 9 in10 diseases can cause symptoms in your mouth. That puts your dentist on the front line for spotting serious health conditions developing silently in your body. This is one reason it's so important to see your dentist at least two times a year for dental cleanings and checkups.
When caring for your teeth and gums at home, it's also important to watch for new problems in your mouth. They may be warning signs of more serious conditions in your body. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Gum, tooth, or jaw pain
- Bleeding gums
- Loose or lost teeth
- Recurring bad breath
- Sores, irregular patches, or lumps in your mouth
If you notice any of these signs, see your dentist right away. Your dentist can diagnose specific dental issues that may be developing. Or she can refer you to another health care professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Mouth and Jaw Pain
Along with symptoms such as cold sores, jaw and mouth pain are often signs of stress. Stress can contribute to a number of physical and mental disorders. And your dentist can help you identify the source of jaw discomfort, which is often caused by simple and treatable conditions such as a toothache, sinus problems, or gum disease.
It's also important to know that pain or discomfort in the jaw can mean that you are having a heart attack. Knowing this, and recognizing other common heart attack symptoms, could help save your life or that of a loved one.
Bleeding and Sore Gums
Gums that ache or bleed may be the result of gum disease that is getting worse. Gum disease is often more severe in people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, which reduces the body's resistance to infection. This puts your gums at risk for inflammation due to the bacteria that live in plaque. Other oral signs of diabetes include:
- Dry mouth
- Fruity smelling breath
- Oral fungal infections
Loose or Lost Teeth
Teeth that move or fall out unexpectedly are a sign of advanced gum disease. Tooth loss can also be one of the early signs of osteoporosis, which decreases bone density and weakens your bones.
Some studies show a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw, which anchors the teeth. Especially common in seniors, tooth loss can occur when osteoporosis affects the jaw. Tooth loss affects approximately one-third of adults ages 65 and older.
Affecting nearly 10 million Americans, osteoporosis frequently goes undiagnosed until you fracture or break a bone. Women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience tooth loss than those who do not have the disease. By seeing your dentist regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting regular physical activity, you can get the jump on being diagnosed and treated before any serious injuries occur.