If Your Teeth Could Talk...More Information

If Your Teeth Could Talk...

Following up with more information from a blog post on December 30, 2016 of an article by The Wall Street Journal published on December 27, 2011 written by Melinda Beck.

An oral history: A dental exam can reveal some telltale signs of broader health problems.

Teeth
Front: Don't be fooled by very white teeth. Many oral health problems may be lurking unseen. Tops of back molars: Worn, flattened surfaces indicate stress-related clenching and grinding. Back of uppers: Area where stomach acid had worn away enamel could indicate bulimia.

Gums
Red, puffy and inflamed gums are common during pregnancy. Tiny red hemorrhages with spontaneous bleeding may indicate leukemia. Periodontal disease, in which gums pull away from the teeth, can signal diabetes, cardiovascular problems and respiratory diseases.

Inside cheeks and lower gums
Diffuse brown patches are a sign of Addison's disease, a hormonal disorder. Ulcerated lesions could mean cancer had metastasized.

Inside the mouth
A smooth, flat tongue could indicate iron-deficiency anemia. Dark red patches on the underside of the tongue may flag pernicious anemia, a vitamin B-12 deficiency. 'Strawberry' textured tongue with red bumps points to Kawasaki disease, an inflammation of the blood vessels. Tongue nodules and ulcerations are an early sign of sarcoidosis, an inflammation of the organs. Cry mouth is a side-effect of many medications, but it could also signal diabetes or autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and lymphoma. Bad breath is a sign of diabetes.

Lips
Cracked lips could indicate candida albicans, a type of yeast infection. Pursed lips, with limited opening of the mouth, signal scleroderma, an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. Swelling and lesions are an early sign of Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disorder.

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Laser Endodontics LLC - Mary Ann Choby, DMD, MS

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