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Q: What sort of things can a dentist tell just by looking in my mouth?
A: Your dentist can tell more about you than just your dental health as he examines your mouth. Gums, for instance, that have turned bright, beefy red or purple may indicate heart disease. Gums that bleed at the slightest touch may be a symptom of Type 2 diabetes. Kidney disease sometimes manifests itself in a sweet ammonia-type smell on a person's breath. Fiery red swollen gums that never heal can indicate leukemia. Swollen gums can also result from the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy.
If you have undiagnosed osteoporosis, which means your bone density is declining,
dark spots on dental x-rays may show air pockets and dead bone. Gums that
have pulled away from the teeth and fractured teeth themselves may indicate
abnormally high stress. Upper front teeth that are worn thin and have lost
substantial enamel may indicate bulimia, an eating disorder that involves
binging and purging, often by forced vomiting. So when your dentist examines
the inside of your mouth, expect it to take a few minutes. Talk with your
dentist about your overall health situation.
October 5,2009
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